Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC January 6, 2009
U.S. Calls for Elections in Guinea, Suspends Aid The United States remains concerned about the military coup in Guinea. We support the efforts of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to speed the transition to civilian rule. We reiterate our call for a return to civilian rule and the holding of free, fair and transparent elections as soon as possible. We note that at the time of President Conte's death, Guinea was preparing for legislative elections in early 2009.
The United States is suspending assistance to Guinea, with the exception of humanitarian aid and programs supporting the democratic process. 2009/010
Ghana: Election of John Atta Mills We congratulate Professor John Atta Mills on his January 3 victory in the Ghanaian presidential race. We commend the Ghanaian people on their resolve and deep commitment to the democratic process demonstrated in their participation in their nation's presidential and parliamentary elections. These elections, pronounced free, fair and credible by a wide range of international and domestic observers, have proven Ghana has truly taken its place among the community of democracies. We also commend the Ghanaian Electoral Commission for its dedication, perseverance and professionalism in conducting these elections in a fair and impartial manner. Once the Ghanaian Electoral Commission announced the results, both sides accepted them and began working on a peaceful and smooth transition of power.
The United States and Ghana continue to enjoy a close friendship based on a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Once again Ghana has shown itself to be a beacon of stability and peace in Africa. The United States will be sending a delegation, led by Peace Corps Director Ronald Tschetter, to Professor Mills’ inauguration on January 7. We look forward to deepening our relationship with the Ghanaian people and working closely with Professor Mills’ administration as he works to unify the nation and build consensus and confidence in established institutions to serve all Ghanaians.
2009/008
Somalia: President Yusuf's Resignation We support and respect President Yusuf’s decision to resign as President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and welcome his commitment to continue supporting the Djibouti peace process. We acknowledge President Yusuf’s contributions to long-term peace and stability in Somalia. In accordance with Article 45 of the Transitional Federal Charter, Parliament should act expeditiously to select a new President within 30 days. We urge Parliamentary Speaker Madoobe, Prime Minister Nur Adde, and the leaders of the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) to intensify efforts to achieve a government of national unity and to enhance security through formation of a joint security force. The United States will provide $5 million to support the formation of such a joint security force. We also take this opportunity to emphasize our support for the strengthening of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and for the rapid authorization and deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force. 2008/1101
Released on December 29, 2008
Q N A Session
MR. MCCORMACK: Good morning, everybody. I will put out a longer statement concerning the human rights situation in Iran, but I think it is safe to observe that the situation has continued to deteriorate. The latest example of that is the closure on December 21st of the Center for Defense of Human Rights, which was the center that is sponsored by and run by Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi. But I have a longer statement that we will put out after the briefing for you on that. And with that, I would be pleased to take your questions.
Des.
QUESTION: Do you have any reading on what’s going on in Guinea and how the government feels (inaudible)?
MR. MCCORMACK: Yeah. Well, we’re trying to – the short answer is we’re trying to get a solid read exactly on what the political situation is there. I would start off by expressing our condolences on the passing of President Lansana Conte. Right now, the situation appears fluid. There are a lot of reports about the military moving in staging a coup. There are other reports that the government is still in charge. Our people on the ground report that the situation in Conakry is relatively peaceful, but again it remains a fluid situation.
We’ve put out a Warden Message which I can make available to you afterwards. It’s also publicly available on the website of the Embassy. But what we want to see is the transition to a more democratic governing structure for the people of Guinea. We are prepared to work with them on that. But at the moment, we need to be able to get a better handle on exactly what the political situation is. Suffice it to say, we want it to trend and move immediately into a process that leads to a transition to democratic – more democratic governance in Guinea. Sir.
QUESTION: Somalia? Pirates? Looks like there is a new twist in this saga of the high-jacked Ukrainian Vessel, MV Faina. There are numerous press reports stating a certain U.S. businesswoman, a CEO of the private security company Select Armor, whose name is Ballarin, I believe, is trying to negotiate with the pirates. The owner of the vessel, of the MV Faina, published an open letter to U.S. Ambassador in Kyiv yesterday, asking U.S. Government to interfere, because they say that her efforts basically undermine the process of trying to release the vessel. Anything on that? Where are you – what are you going to do in this situation? Have you seen this letter?
MR. MCCORMACK: I’m not – yeah, I’m not aware of these particular efforts.
QUESTION: Is she somehow representing the U.S. Government?
MR. MCCORMACK: Not to my knowledge. Not to my knowledge, no.
QUESTION: Well, are you going to do anything about it?
MR. MCCORMACK: I’m not sure that it’s within our purview to do anything about it. I’m sure we’ll take a look at it. I’m not aware of the reports that you refer to.
QUESTION: Thank you.
MR. MCCORMACK: (Laughter.)
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