Clinton discusses democracy, oil in Angola
Clinton Sunday emphasized the positive in her two-day visit, praising Angola's efforts to rebuild after a 27-year civil war that ended in 2002, The Washington Post reported Monday. However, opposition politicians urged her to push for more democratic behavior from Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
"Africa and Angola need not strong men, but strong institutions," Alda Sachiambo, leader of the UNITA caucus, said during Clinton's meeting with parliament.
"In a democracy such as yours, the parliament must demand accountability and transparency, and stand against financial corruption and abuse of power," Clinton said in response.
Oil was another item on Clinton's agenda, and she stressed the need for transparency in awarding contracts and spending oil proceeds, her aides told the Post.
U.S. oil companies such as Chevron and Exxon Mobil are involved deeply in Angola's oil sector. However, China in recent years has provided Angola with billions of dollars in oil-backed loans for the African country's rebuilding efforts, and Chinese companies have formed joint ventures with Angolan petroleum companies, the Post reported.
Clinton told reporters in Luanda she wasn't worried about the Chinese presence.
"I'm looking at what the United States can do to further and deepen our relationship" with Angola, she said.
Clinton is in the midst of an 11-day trip, seven-country trip to Africa.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/08/10/Clinton-discusses-democracy-oil-in-Angola/UPI-35801249906297/
No comments:
Post a Comment