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U.S. policy on Africa `won't change under Obama'
The Natal Witness Group (KwaZulu Natal, South Africa)
16 July 2009
By Stephen Coan
Speaking at Chamber House yesterday, Jill Derderian, U.S. Consul-General
in Durban, said that U.S. policy towards Africa under President Barack
Obama's administration is not substantially different from that of his
predecessor, George W. Bush.
`There is not major change, still a lot of continuity to look forward
to,' Derderian said, addressing members of the South African Institute
of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of
Commerce on change, perceived or otherwise, under the Obama administration.
Derderian quoted from an early Bush position on Africa that regarded
African leaders as equal partners, asking that they set clear goals with
measurable results and good governance. She said Bush had also created
several initiatives that made a big impact on Africa, not least in the
field of HIV/Aids.
`During the Bush administration, the financial assistance to Africa went
up significantly,' Derderian said. In 2001, it was $1,3 billion
(R10,55?billion), which rose to $5,6Tbillion in 2008. In 2010, it will
be $8,7 million.
Many of the previous administration's positions were echoed by Obama in
a speech given in Accra during his recent visit to Ghana. He emphasised
democracy, the generation of wealth and peaceful resolution to conflict.
`He also placed an emphasis on good governance. He said `Africa doesn't
need `strong men', it needs strong institutions.'?'
`The U.S. wants to partner with Africa, but it's not a one-way street,'
Derderian said. `His heritage obviously makes him a son of Africa, but
he's also a son of the world. One South African newspaper referred to
his approach as `tough love'.'
Derderian had no definite date for when Obama might come to SA. `I don't
know. We hope next year¦'
She was optimistic about the future relationship between the U.S. and
South Africa and said she is looking forward to 2010 ' `we both have
strong teams to be excited about'.
http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showc ontent&global[_id]=25254
The Natal Witness Group (KwaZulu Natal, South Africa)
16 July 2009
By Stephen Coan
Speaking at Chamber House yesterday, Jill Derderian, U.S. Consul-General
in Durban, said that U.S. policy towards Africa under President Barack
Obama's administration is not substantially different from that of his
predecessor, George W. Bush.
`There is not major change, still a lot of continuity to look forward
to,' Derderian said, addressing members of the South African Institute
of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of
Commerce on change, perceived or otherwise, under the Obama administration.
Derderian quoted from an early Bush position on Africa that regarded
African leaders as equal partners, asking that they set clear goals with
measurable results and good governance. She said Bush had also created
several initiatives that made a big impact on Africa, not least in the
field of HIV/Aids.
`During the Bush administration, the financial assistance to Africa went
up significantly,' Derderian said. In 2001, it was $1,3 billion
(R10,55?billion), which rose to $5,6Tbillion in 2008. In 2010, it will
be $8,7 million.
Many of the previous administration's positions were echoed by Obama in
a speech given in Accra during his recent visit to Ghana. He emphasised
democracy, the generation of wealth and peaceful resolution to conflict.
`He also placed an emphasis on good governance. He said `Africa doesn't
need `strong men', it needs strong institutions.'?'
`The U.S. wants to partner with Africa, but it's not a one-way street,'
Derderian said. `His heritage obviously makes him a son of Africa, but
he's also a son of the world. One South African newspaper referred to
his approach as `tough love'.'
Derderian had no definite date for when Obama might come to SA. `I don't
know. We hope next year¦'
She was optimistic about the future relationship between the U.S. and
South Africa and said she is looking forward to 2010 ' `we both have
strong teams to be excited about'.
http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showc ontent&global[_id]=25254