State Department Web Chat: Future of US-Africa Relationship
State Department Web Chat: Future of US-Africa Relationship
I participated in a web chat with the
state department official Mr. Garland and expert on Africa affairs.
I tried to raise the issue of the CRPD but got a spin... But its good
because they will review the transcript and see the persistence to address
the issue of the US signing/ratifying and implementing the CRPD and
bridging the disability gaps between the US and Africa without necessarily
exporting and outsourcing western mental health system to Africa.
Mr.Garland also made some statements that are good to our cause to have
the crpd implemented without reservations.
I thank the state department for the opportunity to engage with ordinary
mwananchi (common man) to hear directly from those marginalized or affected.
Full transcript
Topics: Democracy
Keywords: Africa, Greg Garland
09 April 2009
U.S. Official Discusses Future of U.S.-African Relations
CO.NX webchat transcript, April 9
Greg Garland, the media and outreach coordinator for the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs, answered questions in an April 9 CO.NX webchat on U.S.-African relations.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Webchat Transcript
Future of U.S.-Africa Relations?
Guest: Greg Garland, Media and Outreach
Coordinator for the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs
Date: April 9, 2009
Time: 8 a.m. EDT (12:00 GMT)
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Welcome to today's webchat! We will have a quick Open Forum for about the next 30 minutes.
Abdul Maalik: Did you have the questions I sent?
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Hello, we have all of your questions.
Quick change of plans, Mr. Garland is with us now and will begin answering your questions. Welcome to the webchat!
If you would like to introduce yourself to the group, please do so now.
Greg Garland: Hello -- thank you all for being here today! I won't be able to address all your questions, so my focus will be general U.S.-Africa relations instead of specific bilateral relations.
Comment [Abdul Maalik]: I am Abdul Maalik Mind Freedom Kenya. Thank you for the opportunity to participate.
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Welcome Abdul, we're glad you are online with us today.
Question [rcp623]: When will the Ambassador to South Africa and other African Nations that have not yet been appointed?
Greg Garland: I can't say exactly. A new administration always lags in making sub-cabinet appointments, such as ambassadors. Our new Assistant Secretary for Africa Affairs nominee, Johnny Carson, was only announced recently and still is awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Comment [Titos]: Africa is white paper ... It needs a pen and a good write ... It will be so perfect ...
Q [Will]: Is U.S. concerned about AIDS in Africa? What are you doing to help us?
Greg Garland: The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was launched in 2003 by the Bush administration, and is embraced by the new Obama White House. It is the largest foreign assistance program since the Marshall Plan -- $30 billion over ten years. Almost 2 million Africans are receiving treatment today who likely would have died otherwise. It's imperfect, but a concrete sign of U.S. commitment to Africa and fighting AIDS.
Comment [rcp623]: Thank you.
Q [Ali Eid - Cairo IRC]: Good morning; after Mr. Obama's great talk in Turkey concerning the U.S.'s relation with the Islamic World, we expect his popularity to increase in the Middle East and the world. ALI CAIRIO
Q [Abdul Maalik]: Are we on?
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: We are on. There may be some slight delays as Mr. Garland answers your questions. Please be patient.
Q [Somalia]: Anyone there??
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: hello, yes we are here. Welcome to the webchat!
Q [Gabriel Okwikpo]: Where did the history of blacks in the U.S. get started?
Greg Garland: I'll give a short answer to a fundamental question. Africans have been in what is now the USA for 450 years. The oldest community of blacks is in Northeast Florida, which was settled by Spain in 1565. The English introduced African labor to their colonies in 1619, when a shipload of Angolans landed in Virginia.
Q [Abdul Maalik]: Please answer serious questions, and refer people to Google on available historical information.
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Mr. Garland will answer a range of questions in today's webchat.
Q [Will]: Thank you for this unique opportunity. How will Obama's handling of Africa be different than Bush?
Greg Garland: Keep in mind that President Obama and the new administration still has not made major policy statements on Africa. I would point you to the upcoming confirmation hearings of Ass't Secretary for African Affairs designate Johnny Carson. While President Obama's African roots obviously strike an important symbolic message, there's a general perspective that many of the Bush programs were successful, and will be continued.
Q [mina wageeh]: How can I travel and work in U.S.?
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Mina, your
first stop should be the State Department's Consular Affairs Bureau: http://travel.state.gov/visa/
Q [verite]: How does USA see the rise of China in Africa? How does the USA see the China's policy toward Africa? What is the difference between US Foreign Policy and Chinese FP toward Africa?
Greg Garland: China's growing interests in Africa are a natural result of its economic development. It must be placed in this context. China is not alone in looking to Africa for resources and markets. India, Russia, and Brazil (the remaining of the "BRIC" nations) are each investing hugely in Africa and attaining more cultural and political influence. The one major American concern is that the Chinese understand the importance to Africans (i.e., NEPAD) of human rights, labor, and democratic development as part of their approach.
Comment [Joe Makulila]: Zambia is on. Hi there my fellow participants.
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Welcome Joe.
Comment [asr]: hello
Comment [farid]: hi
CO.NX Moderator [Marie]: Good morning to everyone that has just joined us. My name is Marie and I'm joining you from Washington, DC. Feel free to introduce yourself while Mr. Garland answers the next question.
Q [willliam]: How can I get into Harvard business school and what are the cost implications?
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: William, you'll
need to visit Harvard's International Admissions website at: http://www.admissions.college.
Comment [Abdul Maalik]: hi
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Hi Abdul...thanks for joining.
Comment [sunny]: Sunny oshinowo lives in Lagos Nigeria.
Q [Abdul Maalik]: Currently trade is not even, pricing is not fair. How will Obama's administration address the issue of fair trade, and fair pricing for our goods, commodities and services to the United States?
Greg Garland: The foundation of U.S. trade policy in Africa is AGOA -- the Africa Growth and Development Act, dating back to the Clinton years and expanded under Bush. Now applied to the majority of African countries, AGOA creates lower trade barriers for select sectors, such as textiles. Complementing this is the support for more open markets and encouragement of U.S. investment, notably with small and medium businesses. Expect to see our trade promotion agencies and USAID continue these efforts.
Comment [Guido]: Hi good morning! My name is Guido, I'm doing my M.A. in International Relations at the University of Leicester/England with a focus on African issues. I'm by chance joining you from NYC.
CO.NX Moderator (Marie): Welcome Guido!
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Welcome Abidjan.
Comment [Guido]: hi Marie
Comment [IRC Abidjan 2]: hi marie
Q [Joe Makulila]: Don't you think the relations between the US states and Africa will have a positive influence on development if considered an advantage on the side of Obama when interacting with African leaders to create a sustainable stance on a globalized kind of reciprocal form of development.
Greg Garland: Yes -- Most African governments understand that sustained economic development is essential for long-term stability and prosperity. Expect to see this as a major factor in our relationships with African leaders. In fact, many countries have done well and received considerable U.S. support, such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation programs.
Comment [rcp623]: R. Courtney Priester Chair Democrats Abroad South Africa
Comment [IRC Abidjan]: raymond alex thank you
Comment [IRC Abidjan 3]: Camille Assouman hello Sir
Q [Steve]: How many questions can we ask? I want to ask about 10 questions
CO.NX Moderator (Marie): Feel free to ask as many questions as you would like. Unfortunately Mr. Garland will not be able to answer them all, but he will do his best.
Comment [Gandhi]: This is gandhi from IRC, Lusaka, Zambia.
Comment [chishimba]: Hi, this Chishimba from the University of Zambia in Lusaka joining you from the Martin Luther King, Jr memorial Library.
Comment [Mamadou Bobo Diallo]: Hi my name is sow.
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Welcome everyone, we want to be sure you know about our CO.NX site on FaceBook at http://conx.state.gov. There you will find information about upcoming webchats and you can post comments and ideas for additional chat sessions. We listen and take your suggestions seriously. You may also write us at conx@state.gov
Q [hasnaoui]: Mr. Garland, is the priority in Africa security or justice and freedom?
Greg Garland: Superb question. There is no security in the long run without justice and freedom. That's exactly why rule of law based on democratic norms is at the core of U.S. policy.
Comment [EDWIN ZULU, ZAMBIA]: Edwin Zulu, Zambia
Comment [Kennedy Chisanga]: Hi, Chisanga in Lusaka, Zambia IRC.
Comment [Cafer]: Cafer Tanriverdi from Ankara - Turkey. I wish all participants to have a good time. I already put my request question there. During the meeting I am only a good listener.
CO.NX Moderator [Tim]: Thank you Cafer for participating in so many CO.NX events. I will put your question from Facebook up in a couple minutes.
CO.NX Moderator [Sarah]: Several of
you have asked about French language webchats. We recently had a U.S.-Africa
chat in French with Ned McMahon. You can view the transcript here: http://www.america.gov/st/
Q [bah Mamadou bobo]: What do American people think about the relationship with Africans?
A [Greg Garland]: Over the past generation, Americans have become more and more interested in Africa. Historically, it was the African American community that had the prime interest in your continent, but that has expanded to the society at large. There are a number of reasons for this. One is religion. The interaction between African and American churches is enormous. To a lesser extent, this is true of Islam as well. Another is education; many Africans have come to the US to study, while more and more Americans have gone there. Another is the Peace Corps, thousands of former volunteers who know and love Africa. Another is film and television, which have started to show a more sophisticated vision of Africa and Africans than in the past. And a major is the knowledge that much of American culture and our values come from Africa.
Comment [Abdul Maalik]: Brilliant response from Mr. Garland
Q [Cafer]: My question or request is not only for Greg Garland, at the same time I am asking other people who are joining this meeting from African countries. Is there any Africa continental Political Party Confederation? I mean, African Conservative Parties... Democratic Parties ... African Liberal Party Confederation, etc., included at least five or seven country members. If there is, would you give us a little bit knowledge? If not, are there any planning about this subject for near future? I believe this is priority work for African countries...Because of Europe (Who is effect in last century in Africa) approach is not this way... This is the other important reason: Africa is very poor and underdeveloped. I HOPE in the new century U.S. help to people for Democracy and Democratic Management in Africa. Cafer Tanriverdi Ankara -Turkiye.
Comment [rcp623]: Cafer I think the closest thing to that would be the African Union
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Adding on to rcp623's response to Cafer from Turkey, here is a link to the African Union website. http://www.africa-union.org/.
Comment [rcp623]: Maybe Cafer should also Google the United States of Africa. There is a grounds well of support for it occurring in the future.
Comment [EDWIN ZULU, ZAMBIA]: Does U.S consider AFRICA as equal partner in all spheres of human endeavor?
Greg Garland: Yes. I have said publicly that finally after 200 years, the U.S. is treating Africa as a real place with real people with real countries that have real interests. Equality, yes, but it also means Africans taking on the responsibility that comes with equality.
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Once again, welcome to all of the new arrivals in the chat room. If you want to introduce yourself, please do!
Comment [IRC Abidjan]: raymond-alex from abidjan
Comment [IRC Abidjan 2]: Van america help Africa reach security and democracy? If that is possible, how?
Greg Garland: That's a huge question. At the end of the day, Africans themselves must achieve their own security and democracy. The U.S. can and does promote efforts to establish democratic rule of law and economic development for all, not just a few. We have also learned from our own mistakes in the past when the U.S. supported, or abetted, undemocratic regimes.
Comment [Sivasubramanian Muthusamy]: I arrived early and did not introduce myself. I am Sivasubramanian Muthusamy (Shiva) from India.
CO.NX Moderator (Sarah): Welcome, Sivasubramanian.
Question [IRC Abidjan 3 - Camille Assouman]: Camille Assouman: To what extent Africa can help the United States of America?
Greg Garland: That's the sort of creative question I like. Africans have for 450 years molded who we are as a country. Your interest in all things American today is the flipside of the growing interest of Americans in Africa. My suggestion? Meet and talk with Americans one on one and any other way. Communicate. Share ideas and experiences. The world can be changed one by one, and that's how Americans are approached best.
Comment [IRC Abidjan 8]: REPPRELCI is the Online Press Association in Cote d`Ivoire.
Comment [IRC Abidjan 8]: For more information go to the following link www.repprelci.org.
Comment [IRC Abidjan - raymond-alex]: Do you know ivory coast?
Greg Garland: Yes -- I traveled to Ivory Coast in the 1990s while I was living in Guinea-Conakry.
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Comment from Boniface Ayoche: Well one of the way they can make an impact is by ensuring that leaders clinging to power are made to yield to the will of the masses, because that is one of the most crucial factors deterring prosperity in Africa.
Q [EDWIN ZULU, ZAMBIA]: How does the U.S. intend to combat piracy in Somalia?
Greg Garland: Two ways. First is the multinational off-shore interdiction force, of which the U.S. is one part, but includes Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and many European units. But we recognize that the root cause of piracy lies on shore -- the collapse of Somalia as an effective state since 1991. The true answer lies in rule of law and economic development on shore, and we support international efforts to achieve this.
Q [IRC Abidjan 7]: Do you think that the webchat can have a positive aspect on youth?
CO.NX Moderator [Tim]: We hope that it does. We are trying to reach out more to Africa and the world so we can hear what issues you are facing and success you are having. Please feel free to post comments/questions/concerns on our Facebook site located at http://co-nx.state.gov.
Comment [IRC Abidjan 7]: pdt wise. Thank you very much I am very happy to hear that. God bless you. Today communication is so important around the world.
Comment [Magdy]: I am from Egypt. In your opinion what are best tools that USA can use to promote democratic rule in Africa?
Greg Garland: In the short term, strengthen African commitment to African values and documents so that Africans themselves are the watchdogs of democracy. The African Union and the sub-regional groupings have great potential to do this. We saw an example recently when SADC suspended the military government of Madagascar from membership. There are also many bad cases of inaction, such as Zimbabwe. A long-term solution is education, not just of the elite, but at the primary and secondary levels that includes girls as well as boys. The U.S. has adjusted its program to support exactly this.
CO.NX Moderator [Tim]: Comment from Adegbayi Sunny Oshinowo: I have read what everyone has to say but I think I will take a neutral stand. Obama will still face Africa in his programme schedule, give him some time.
Q [Kaumba Chivunda 2]: Do you see it as a fair play where African counties are only allowed to export raw material in terms of economic development?
Greg Garland: AGOA -- the African Trade and Development Act -- is a program designed to expand the bases of African exports. Textiles, for examples, have benefited greatly in some countries. I have personally worked on city to city trade in Ghana and Guinea, with small businesses gaining from such ties.
Comment [Gandhi]: This is bernard from Zambia.
CO.NX Moderator [Sarah]: Welcome, Bernard!
CO.NX Moderator [Tim]: Comment from Tarak Bel Hadj Kacem: During the elections we prayed for you to be the president of the USA. My remark is: Mr. Obama you forgot completely Africa. I - Tunisian man - hope we will be very good friends as in the past.
Question [IRC Abidjan 8 - REPPRELCI]: It seems to us that American policy in Africa is much more oriented toward eastern and southern part of Africa. Why?
Greg Garland: There is some truth in your question. West Africa probably hasn't gotten the attention it deserves, though that is changing. Note too, that Nigeria is a major partner for the U.S., perhaps overshadowing Ivory Coast and other West African states. I also should point to deep ties with Ghana and Liberia, countries that don't win too many headlines now that they are doing relatively well.
Q [guest]: What is the role of American Congress in foreign policy?
CO.NX Moderator [Sarah]: You can read
more about Congress' role in American foreign policy here: http://www.america.gov/st/usg-
Q [Nynke Nauta]: What about China and the major role it plays in feeding the conflict in Darfur? What has been and is happening in Darfur is horrific beyond words. What can the U.S. contribute in terms of putting pressure on both the Khartoum regime and China? Probably a naive question. But I had to ask.
Greg Garland: Believe me, that question is asked here in Washington by all of us who are focused on Sudan and Darfur especially. The Chinese connection is key. Our Africa bureau now meets regularly with our Chinese counterparts. The Chinese have contributed a unit to the Darfur peacekeeping force. President Obama himself has said that resolving Darfur is a priority. I would add, too, that the domestic American constituency to end the Darfur crisis is powerful, unlike any I've ever seen in Africa. No administration can ignore it.
Comment [Sivasubramanian Muthusamy]: It is good to see that the US Administration is inclined to shape its policies in such a manner that Africans themselves become the watchdogs of democracy. That would tackle the issue of Trust and the typical, narrow question, "What is in it for the US?" Such questions may not deter US from paying attention to Africa. US needs to take up the most crucial initiatives needed for overall upliftment such as measures causing or improving Democracy, eliminating conflicts and causing good governance to happen. And this, if planned and implemented with Africans themselves in the helm of affairs, a lot of good can happen.
Comment [Balde]: Mr. Obama, we Africans were thinking once you are in the power you will think more about us.
Q [Cindy Monga 2]: Former President George Bush visited Africa twice during his tenure of office. He also pushed more pro-African policies and programmes than any other US president. Is the Obama Administration likely to maintain this landmark record, exceed this record seeing as the current President has some African roots or totally reverse the Bush record?
Greg Garland: What you said about Bush is correct, though not often perceived even in the U.S. The new Obama administration knows that Bush left a strong and positive legacy in Africa, and intend to build on it. Look for continuity, not change, with respect to Africa in terms of concrete policies and programs
Q [guest]: What is the position of USA regarding the establishment of united states of Africa?
Comment [Abdul Maalik]: It's long overdue, the US of Africa... the likes of Kwame Nkurumah started that...
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: Everyone, there are many, many questions coming in. We hope you will be patient and understanding if Mr. Garland does not get to your particular question. We will look to schedule more U.S.-Africa webchats.
Q [Abdul Maalik]: Is the US committed to international treaties? Will we see a change from the last administration?
Greg Garland: The U.S. is committed to international rule of law. Under our Constitution, treaties ratified are the law of the land, the equal of federal statutes and supersede any state and local laws. At issue in the previous administration was U.S. participation in some treaties and questions of treaty interpretation. The Obama administration has made clear from its first day that it will abide by all such treaties and serve as a model for international compliance.
Q [IRC Abidjan 2 - ouattara nourdine]: America has just designated a delegate for Khartum. What is properly his mission for that part of the continent?
CO.NX Moderator [Marie]: You can read
more about the special envoy to Sudan here: http://www.america.gov/st/
CO.NX Moderator [Sarah]: And, you can
read more about general U.S. policy in Africa here: http://www.state.gov/p/af/rls/
Comment [IRC Abidjan 2 - ouattara nourdine]: Thank you Marie and Sarah. I will visit these sites.
Q [Abdul Maalik]: Thank you for the response, specifically can you kindly respond to the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities?
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Thanks Abdul...I'm talking to Mr. Garland and unfortunately he is not an expert on the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and can't speak to it. Sorry.
Comment [Abdul Maalik]: One of the most important things to mind Freedom Kenya is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which by Tina Minkowitz an authority in International human rights issues "Users and Survivors have an equal right to legal capacity (Article 12), which is the right to make their own decisions; and the right to free and informed consent in health care; and that users and survivors should not be deprived of liberty based on disability - which means that governments are violating this treaty if they lock up users and survivors in psychiatric institutions and perform forced treatment.
Q [Joe Makulila 2]: With the integration unveiled daily between the US and Africa, what are the specific outcomes that we must expect to harvest from the integration?
Greg Garland: Most immediately, increased trade opportunities that you as Africans must take advantage of. Still, it's better to view our interests as complementary -- a two-way street. One group that is benefiting initially is the African Diaspora in the U.S. They are positioned in both countries to act, invest, and profit. Just Saturday past, I attended an Angola, Diaspora conference here in the U.S. that encouraged investment by Angolans in Angola. That's the path that has worked in many countries, such as India and El Salvador.
Q [Joe Ndambwa]: Is the Obama administration likely to increase or expand the PEPFAR programme started by President BUSH? (IRC Lusaka, Zambia)
Greg Garland: As I noted before, PEPFAR will continue under Obama as under Bush. It's a bipartisan program that has succeeded in many ways. Don't look for significant changes.
Q [koulibaly]: Somali pirates are a danger to international relations. Can we switch off this scourge?
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Hi Koulibaly...please see Mr. Garland's answer above on Somalia piracy. Thanks.
Q [IRC Abidjan 3]: Camille Assouman Kouassi: What is the main mission of the AGOA?
CO.NX Moderator (Marie): You can learn more about AGOA by visiting their website here: http://www.agoa.gov/.
Comment [IRC Abidjan 3]: Camille Assouman Kouassi: Thank you
Q [Gandhi]: Donations and grants from USA and other developed nations get lots of publicity in media. Contributions of vital raw materials by Africa (crude oil, uranium, gold, diamonds, timber, etc.) do not get as much recognition. Shouldn't USA emphasize the importance of trade relations traffic both ways?
Greg Garland: I agree totally. I suspect that our own pronouncements emphasize a bit much U.S. programs instead of African activities and production. That said, if you look at private sector material, you will find much on African production. If you go to American cities like Houston, Miami, Atlanta, and Minneapolis, you will find African Diaspora and American business people talking every day about minerals, oil, finished goods, processed foods, shrimp, etc. coming from Africa. Perhaps we need to get USAID and State to emphasize this side of our relationship a bit more.
Comment [Abdul Maalik]: I was booted out... Poor internet connectivity in Africa...
Comment [Thierno Mamadou]: After his election to the White House, everyone, especially the African youth, celebrated his victory because he embodies change and hope.
Greg Garland: Obama's victory holds historic significance. Along with that came high expectations that something would change with respect to Africa. I'm glad to see you are from Guinea -- where I first discovered and acquired my love for Africa. No country knows better than Guinea that change at the international level is slow in coming, though can happen in spurts. Please take Obama as a symbol for how America has changed and evolved. Understand that his election reflects at least 50 years of societal change in America that help explain the growing interest of many Americans in Africa. We have to understand here that there are high expectations in Africa for him as well, and that these have to be acknowledged. But, he's still one man and one president, a hopeful symbol to the world.
Q [Kaumba Chivunda 2]: How is America managing to draw active youth participation in state politics? (IRC Lusaka, Zambia)
CO.NX Moderator (Marie): We just did
a webchat with Chrissy Faessen, deputy director of Rock the Vote, which
talked about getting the youth involved. To read the transcript, click
here: http://www.america.gov/st/
Greg Garland: Thank you, everyone, for your input. I couldn't answer even a small part of the questions, but we've made a start. If possible, I'll be happy to return for a second round. Regards, Greg Garland
Comment [rcp623 2]: Thank you!
Comment [IRC Abidjan 2 - Ouattara Y.M. Nourdine]: Thank you
Comment [Cindy Monga 2]: Thank you too
Comment [Abdul Maalik]: Happy Easter to you and your family.
Comment [Abdul Maalik]: Hope you'll find all the eggs, hehe
Comment [IRC Abidjan 3]: Camille Assouman Kouassi: Thank you for the chat
Comment [IRC Abidjan 3]: Camille Assouman Kouassi: Happy Easter day to everyone
Comment [EDWIN ZULU, ZAMBIA]: Happy Easter guys - Edwin Zulu, Africa
Comment [Joe Makulila 2]: Thank you for the chat, we really enjoyed it.
Comment [bah Mamadou bobo]: Thank you too
Comment [Thierno Mamadou]: How are mamadou bobo? I have seen your questions; they were very important.
Comment [EDWIN ZULU, ZAMBIA]: 100 days of Obama in office, what lessons can Africa draw from his administration?
CO.NX Moderator (Sarah): Visit this
blog on President Obama's First 100 Days and leave your comments: http://blogs.america.gov/
Comment [IRC Abidjan 3]: Camille Assouman Kouassi: Thank you so much.
Comment [Thierno Mamadou]: I thank all the African people
Comment [Joe Ndambwa]: Happy Easter Holiday to the rest of the world. This is indeed the change we can believe in. (IRC Lusaka, Zambia)
Comment [IRC Abidjan 2]: Happy Easter to you all. You've been great and I hope we shall be given the opportunity to meet.
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: All the best to you all!
Comment [salman: thank you and happy Easter to you too.
CO.NX Moderator [Mark]: A comment sent to conx@state.gov: Hey, I am a Rwandese boy of 24 years old and I am a Refugee in Belgium. In Rwanda we had Genocide in 1994, the problem I have I am a Tutsi and in my family we have many Hutus. The problem is not over, it was caused by Belgian colonists the taught the hate in our country and now we suffer from that! We would like Obama to show that we can live together as one nation and to make sure that our politicians are really doing it. If in Rwanda we have jobs to work hard all day, we could forget our problems. Best regards, God bless.
CO.NX Moderator [Sarah]: Thanks everyone, for coming to the chat!
CO.NX Moderator [Marie]: Please visit us at our Facebook page: http://co-nx.state.gov to give us feedback and find out about future programs.
The Webchat is now closed. We wish
to thank Mr. Garland for joining us today. A transcript of today's webchat
will be posted to http://co-nx.state.gov and to http://www.america.gov/
(end transcript)
Read more: "U.S. Official Discusses Future of U.S.-African Relations"
- http://www.america.gov/st/
