Some of Congo's 'internally
displaced' look on as Secretary
Clinton and her entourage visit that nation's war torn east.
Le
Potentiel, Congo
Hillary's Visit is
'No Bad Thing'
"It's no bad
thing to deal with the 'powerful nations.' To maintain responsible cooperation would mean immensely profitable opportunities and the opening of a new era of relations between the DRC and the United States."
EDITORIAL
Translated By Philippe Guittard
August 11,
2009
Potentiel - Congo - Original Article (French)
It's the end of U.S. Secretary of State, Madam Hillary
Clinton's visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was an intense 48-hour visit
marked by questions related to strengthening bilateral economic, political,
social and military cooperation. In terms of the latter, the U.S.
reiterated its decision to contribute to the formation of a republican army to
stabilize the situation in eastern DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo].
But these were fruitful talks, marked by an exchange of
views on the establishment of a strong and credible state. In particular, this
is a matter of dealing with issues related to the battle against corruption,
the respect for human rights as well as bringing about good governance.
These are points already touched upon by a domestic plan of President
Kabila, in which he alludes to the "five evils" afflicting Congolese
society. In revisiting these issues with the Congolese authorities, the U.S.
secretary of state needed only to recall the principles that made the United
States a powerful state.
Posted by WORLDMEETS.US
The positive side of her visit is
what observers call the reaffirmation America's willingness to be a partner
"that gives hope" to the Democratic Republic of Congo - a partner
ready to aid the Democratic Republic of Congo in writing a new page in the
history of the Congolese people.
Such a commitment can only generate interest among Congolese
policy makers in leaving behind the old ways looking toward a future of great
challenges. Without neglecting "tradition," they must seize this
opportunity to revitalize bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Posted by WORLDMEETS.US
Secretary
Clinton reacts with annoyance to the incorrect translation of
a question from a Congolese college student. The translator said
the questioner wanted to know what Bill Clinton thought about Chinese
investment in Congo. Hillary's response: 'My husband is not Secretary
of State - I am. ... If you want my opinion I'll give you my opinion. I'm
not going to be chanelling my husband.'
[CLICK
HERE OR CLICK PHOTO TO WATCH]
It's
true that between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States we are dealing with an old
history filled with sudden revivals. But today there are many opportunities to reinvigorate
co-operation and enable the DRC to rediscover its “old reflexes,” enabling it to better
assume a leadership role in the region and to exhibit a more pragmatic attitude.
The United States
is a great power - and it's no
bad thing to deal with the “powerful nations.” To maintain responsible
cooperation would mean immensely profitable opportunities and the opening
of a new era of relations between the
DRC and the United States.
CLICK HERE FOR FRENCH
VERSION
[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US
August 12, 12:30am]
