Ambassador

Ambassador's Speeches

Remarks by Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt
July 4, 2008 Celebration

Welcome to you all - and to thank you for joining us on this, the 232^nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.   In the United States, this day will be marked by parades and picnics, by festivals and fireworks, and by speeches designed to remind Americans of how fortunate we are to have had some of the wisest and most courageous men the world has ever seen as our founding fathers.  (Of course in 1776, many people thought they were anything except wise -- especially the British.)  

Looking back on it today, it seems natural, indeed almost inevitable that the struggle our ancestors undertook over two hundred years ago would succeed.  But like most great human accomplishments, the truth was otherwise.  Our founding fathers were ordinary men with normal human failings - self-interest, pride, greed, and ambition.  They accomplished an extraordinary thing because they were able to set aside their differences and work together to acquire the freedom and the independence that they all longed for.

As the first colony in the modern world to unilaterally declare and obtain its independence, the United States has served as an example to many who followed a similar path.  We know that our example is fraught with human frailty and with human misjudgments.  We also know that despite these shortcomings we have built one of the most vibrant, energetic and welcoming nations on earth. 

The 4th of July is a time to remind ourselves of how blessed we have been and of what we must do to perpetuate our blessings.  We remind ourselves on this day that democracy is a living, evolving phenomenon, not a collection of documents or a declaration of purpose.  We take pride in having a government of the people, by the people, for the people - and on this day we take time to remember that this kind of government requires our active participation; that the work of democracy is fragile, difficult, and never ending.  In sharing our story with others, our hope is that they will avoid our failures and implement our successes more rapidly than we did.  We also hope that our history will inspire people all over the world to believe that they can achieve what others may tell them is impossible. Yet we recognize that each nation must find its own path and follow its own rhythm.

Cote d'Ivoire is well on its way down a path of its choosing.  I take this opportunity to salute Pres. Gbagbo and PM Soro for the courage they have demonstrated; for their willingness to set aside the past and work towards a peaceful future for all Ivorians.  Cote d'Ivoire has come a long way since the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement in March 2007.  Indeed, the key elements of that agreement -- identification, elections, and disarmament -- are within reach.  The United States stands ready to work with you to assure that these goals are reached.  We must not let ourselves be discouraged by delays or dissuaded by those who would surrender to fatigue. The people of Cote d'Ivoire deserve no less.

For over five years, Ivorians have struggled with adversity and have shown remarkable resilience.  Despite the hardships of the past few years, Cote d'Ivoire remains one of the most attractive places to live in West African and Ivorians are still among the most welcoming people on the continent.  Cote d'Ivoire's friendship with the United States is a strong one and we are proud of the many projects we have been able to implement despite the challenging conditions.  This year, the U.S. became the largest single donor to Cote d'Ivoire's health sector and began the rehabilitation of clinics, working through our partners, all across the country.  As many of you know, our assistance in the health sector is focused primarily on HIV/AIDS but also reaches many of this country's most vulnerable people - widows, orphans and those too weak to care for themselves.  We support activities focused on education and prevention, but we also provide treatment to people living with AIDS and work with the communities in which they live to emphasize the need for tolerance and understanding.

As Cote d'Ivoire moves closer towards ending its crisis and re-establishing normalcy, the need for tolerance and understanding will be as great as the need for financial resources.  These are values that are an integral part of Ivorian history and I am confident that through dialogue and consultation, and respect for traditional values, Ivorians will find a way to close the door on this crisis and step into a bright, new future. 

Ladies and Gentlemen - I invite you to join me now, please, in a toast to the friendship between the United States and Cote d'Ivoire, and to the health and prosperity of both our nations.  Vive les Etats-Unis et Vive la Cote d'Ivoire.