Ambassador's Speech

Fourth of July Speech Ambassador Jeanine Jackson U.S. Embassy, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
July 4, 2006

230 years ago, in the city of Philadelphia, a group of American patriots gathered to debate, consider and then finally approve a bold resolution, the declaration of independence of the United States of America. 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident,” they declared, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” 

Our belief in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remains at the heart of our foreign policy.  We have no higher priority.  Here in Burkina Faso, we believe that the two elections of the last year were important steps in Burkina’s democratization process.  But much work remains to be done. 

I believe that continuing this process will require improved education and literacy, a wider recognition of the rights of women, and the continued commitment by all participants to the political process. 
It is also necessary to develop strong institutions that are independent of the fate of any one man or one party.

Further, democratization will also require healthy debate and a strong opposition.  As long as the leaders of the opposition are divided, the people will understandably continue to suspect their ability to lead. 

We stand ready to work with the all actors in these important areas.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
A strong economy and a strong democracy go hand in hand.  The United States also supports economic growth in Burkina Faso.  The last few years have seen steady progress, but many challenges remain.  Burkina Faso is known as the land of honest men.  If it is to remain so, it must confront the corruption that many feel has begun to expand. 

Burkina Faso and its partners must also work to make its growth sustainable, and to accelerate its pace.  We strongly believe in the strategy of reducing poverty through economic growth, a strategy that is at the core of President Bush's initiative, the Millennium Challenge Account.

In the coming year I expect Burkina Faso and the Millennium Challenge Corporation to sign a compact to implement a strategy whereby U.S. assistance will help to transform the economy of this nation. 

We also believe that trade can play a transformative role. AGOA provides important export opportunities and we will work with the private sector to take advantage of these opportunities. 

Additionally, the United States believes that peace and security in the region are important for Burkina Faso and its neighbors.  We are pleased by Burkina Faso’s constructive role in supporting the peace in the region, especially in Cote d’Ivoire.  These actions have opened the door for closer military cooperation between our two countries, and I expect this aspect of our relationship to continue to expand. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I feel very fortunate to have arrived in Burkina Faso at a time when our relationship is flourishing.  In many fields: political, economic, cultural, military-- our peoples and governments are benefiting from unprecedented cooperation.  This presents great opportunities for both countries.  However, if we are not all diligent, opportunities may be missed.  On behalf of the United States, I pledge to you that I will do all I can during my time here to make the best of these opportunities.

The United States and Burkina Faso have established a partnership based on shared goals and common values.  We both seek to improve democratic practices, economic progress and stability in the region.  Both of our peoples are a diverse mix of different ethnic groups and religions.  Our peoples share common faiths and creeds, and a history of tolerance for others. 

Tonight on this the 230th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, please join me in raising a toast to the continued partnership between our two nations.

Thank you.