Ambassador

SPEECHES

Ambassador's Speech at the American Independence Day Celebration

July 4, 2006

We come together this evening in celebration of the world’s oldest continuous democracy.  It was not perfect at its inception, and it does not claim to be so today.  Instead, we Americans are engaged in a constant struggle to build a more just, free, and democratic nation.  The work of democracy is fragile, difficult, and never ending.  But, we join tonight to celebrate all that we have thus far achieved, and to take a moment to remind ourselves of the things that still remain to be done.

In Côte d’Ivoire too, democracy is being challenged to confront conflict and overcome obstacles.  Côte d’Ivoire is trying hard to define itself as a democracy and a people.  In the United States too, we fought a civil war that forced us to address unresolved questions about what kind of nation we would become.  Even though Côte d’Ivoire is presently navigating a difficult period in its history, I believe that it will emerge from these travails a stronger and more prosperous nation. 

Democracies can grow stronger from having endured adversity. Challenges can help to evolve the role of democratic institutions in a way that makes them more representative and responsive.  While this may not be the easiest means of improvement, it can be the most effective.  

Important progress has been made during the two years I have been working here in Côte d’Ivoire.  Accords have been reached, legislation has been passed, confidence-building measures have been put into place, and the peace process is beginning to bear fruit.  Disarmament, identification, and elections are all within reach.

The American experience has shown that democracy requires the courage to compromise.   Democracy thrives on bold leadership that inspires hope, not one that generates fear.   It depends on leaders that are held accountable for their commitments by a free press and a strong civil society.  Democracy calls for leaders who are willing to put the national interest above their own self-interest.  It demands patriots who are willing to defend the right of their opponents to speak, as vigorously as they do their own.  For the peace process and indeed the democratic experiment in Côte d’Ivoire to succeed, these essential elements must be present.  The United States stands ready to work with you to achieve these goals. 

We must not let ourselves be discouraged or dissuaded by the enormity of the task that lies before us, nor by the perceived shortcomings of our work.  Instead, it should be the hope of each generation to pass on to their children a more perfect democracy and some of the lessons they learned in the process of trying to build it.  Tonight, as we celebrate the independence of the United States, may our story and struggles be a source of comfort and inspiration to you in this important moment for your country.  I believe that as our two democracies continue to grow, so too will the friendship between our two great nations.  I ask you to join me in raising our glasses to the promise of democracy and the prosperity of tomorrow, for the people of the United States and Côte d'Ivoire.