Press Release from the Department of the Treasury, January 6, 2011Footnote 1
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated former Côte d'Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo and his wife, Simone Gbagbo, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13396 for their recent actions threatening the peace and national reconciliation process in Côte d'Ivoire. Today's action also targeted three of Laurent Gbagbo's senior advisors and members of his inner circle, Desire Tagro, Pascal Affi N'Guessan, and Alcide Ilahiri Djedje for acting for or on his behalf.
E.O. 13396 targets persons determined to constitute a threat to the peace and national reconciliation process in Côte d'Ivoire, or to act or purport to act for or on behalf of such persons, directly or indirectly, by isolating them from the U.S. financial system. As a result of today's actions, U.S. persons are prohibited from conducting financial or commercial transactions with the designated individuals, and any assets of the designees within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.
“Laurent Gbagbo continues to demonstrate wanton disregard for the will and well-being of the people of Côte d'Ivoire,” said OFAC Director Adam J. Szubin. “Today's designations will isolate him and his inner circle from the world's financial system and underscore the desire of the international community that he step down.”
Former President Gbagbo's refusal to accept the results of the November 28, 2010 run-off election between himself and Alassane Ouattara—as announced by the Independent Election Commission (CEI) and certified by the Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General—has created a crisis in Côte d'Ivoire. As a signatory to the 2005 Pretoria Agreement, Laurent Gbagbo pledged to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Côte d'Ivoire with UN participation, a commitment that was reaffirmed in the 2007 Ouagadougou Political Agreement. His refusal to accept the CEI's election results—which have been endorsed by the UN Security Council, the African Union, the European Union, and the Economic Community of West African States—and relinquish his authority undermines the implementation of these political agreements and threatens the peace and reconciliation process in Côte d'Ivoire.
Desire Tagro has acted as Laurent Gbagbo's chief-of-staff since the November election, and he was designated today for threatening the peace and national reconciliation process in Côte d'Ivoire and for acting for or on behalf of Gbagbo. Pascal Affi N'Guessan, Chairman of the Ivorian Popular Front, a political party founded by Laurent Gbagbo in 1982, has been acting as Gbagbo's campaign spokesman during the 2010 election season and its aftermath, and Alcide Ilahiri Djedje, previously Côte d'Ivoire's Permanent Representative to the UN, was selected as Gbagbo's Minister of Foreign Affairs. N'Guessan and Djedje were designated today for acting for or on behalf of Gbagbo. Tagro, N'Guessan, and Djedje have all served as official representatives of Gbagbo since his refusal to stand down and have resisted international calls for a democratic transfer of power.
Statement by President Obama, January 9, 2011Footnote 2
President Obama. I am extremely pleased that polling has started for the Southern Sudan Referendum, and congratulate the people of Southern Sudan who are determining their own destiny. This is an historic step in the years-long process to fully implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the civil war between north and south. The international community is united and determined to ensure that all parties in Sudan live up to their obligations. We know that there are those who may try to disrupt the voting. Voters must be allowed access to polling stations, and must be able to cast their ballots free from intimidation and coercion. All sides should refrain from inflammatory rhetoric or provocative actions that could raise tensions or prevent voters from expressing their will. Violence in the Abyei region should cease. And while a successful vote will be cause for celebration, an enormous amount of work remains to ensure the people of Sudan can live with security and dignity. The world will be watching in the coming days, and the United States will remain fully committed to helping the parties solve critical post-referendum issues regardless of the outcome of the vote.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton, January 9, 2011Footnote 3
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. The successful start of voting for the Southern Sudan Referendum represents a historic step towards implementation of Sudan's Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
The people of Sudan deserve a process that is credible, peaceful and that ultimately reflects their will. Significant progress has been made in recent months towards preparing for the referendum, including the successful completion of voter registration and other technical arrangements. Going forward, the work of the many domestic and international observation and monitoring groups will be crucial and we look forward to their assessment.
We welcome the leadership shown by both parties to the CPA, including the commitment by President Bashir that his government will respect the outcome of the referendum. We also appreciate the parties’ acknowledgment of the importance of continued cooperation regardless of the outcome. This spirit will be important as the parties negotiate the post-referendum arrangements that will define their future relationship.
The United States is committed to the long-term security and prosperity of both north and south Sudan and we will continue to support the Sudanese people. We welcome the ongoing engagement of the international community as Sudan moves forward and we salute the strong leadership by the United Nations Mission in Sudan. We will work closely with all our international partners to maintain strong international support for the referendum process, successful implementation of the CPA, and a peaceful and prosperous future for all of the Sudanese people.
Statement by President Obama, January 16, 2011Footnote 4
President Obama. The United States congratulates the Sudanese people, the government of Sudan, and the government of Southern Sudan on the end of their historic, week-long referendum on the future of southern Sudan. The sight of so many Sudanese casting their votes in a peaceful and orderly fashion was an inspiration to the world and a tribute to the determination of the people and leaders of south Sudan to forge a better future. We wish to commend the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the Southern Sudan Referendum Board, the domestic and international observers, the United Nations Mission in Sudan, and most of all, the voters who turned out in high numbers and high spirits to take their turn at the ballot box. The past week has given the world renewed faith in the prospect of a peaceful, prosperous future for all of the Sudanese people—a future that the American people long to see in Sudan.
The referendum now moves into another phase, and while official results will not be available for some time, independent observers have been extremely encouraged by the credibility of the process to date. We urge all parties to continue to urge calm and show restraint as the parties work to complete implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The United States will continue to assist the parties amid the tough challenges and historic opportunities that lie ahead.
Press Release from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, January 25, 2011Footnote 5
Today, USTDA awarded a grant to the National Agency for the Development of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ADEREE) to support the development of a 5MW solar photovoltaic (PV) pilot project in Essaouira, Morocco. The funding will provide technical assistance designed to identify the specific needs of a solar PV power plant and will serve to establish a baseline for evaluating and replicating solar PV plants of similar scope throughout Morocco.
The grant agreement was signed at ADEREE's offices in Rabat between ADEREE Director Mr. Saïd Mouline and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Judith Chammas. The grant signing was witnessed by Mr. Carl B. Kress, USTDA Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Europe and Mr. Mohammed Berdai, Director for Energy Efficiency at ADEREE.
Mr. Kress noted the $631,000 technical assistance grant will support Morocco as it seeks to provide reliable and affordable new sources of energy to meet growing demand.
“Morocco has vast renewable energy resources, in particular solar energy. This grant in support of a pilot project in Essaouira will assist ADEREE in demonstrating solar PV technology on a utility scale and will support Morocco as it seeks to increase its renewable energy capacity.”
The Government of Morocco has launched a national renewable energy and energy efficiency plan that aims to achieve installed generation capacity of 2GW from solar resources as well as 2GW each from wind and hydropower resources by 2020.
“There is a tremendous potential for renewable energy projects in Morocco,” Mr. Kress added. “U.S. companies offer very competitive renewable energy technologies that will support Morocco's initiative to sustainably meet growing energy demands.”
The opportunity to conduct the USTDA-funded technical assistance will be competed on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website. A link to the FBO announcement will be posted to USTDA's website at www.ustda.gov. Interested U.S. firms should submit proposals according to the instructions in the FBO announcement. ADEREE will select the U.S. contractor that will complete the technical assistance.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton with Sudanese Foreign Minister Karti, January 26, 2011Footnote 6
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks with Minister Ali Ahmed Karti in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. I am pleased to welcome to the State Department today the foreign minister of Sudan. Minister Karti is here consulting with our government on a number of the issues that Sudan is dealing with in the very important period of what is occurring with the South and their vote and the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
We very much appreciate the Government of Sudan's cooperation and assistance in ensuring a peaceful referendum, and we look forward to continuing to work with the minister and the government as we move forward.
Foreign Minister Karti. Well, I thank you. I've been here for the first visit—first official visit to State and I very much commend the way and thank the way I was received and welcomed. And all doors were open for me to discuss the issues of bilateral relations and issues both of standing issues, also brand new issues in Sudan. We have been able to go on with the process with the South and for sure with the assistance and help of U.S.
We came here also to thank U.S. Administration for all they had done for the people of Sudan and for making it possible for us, two partners, to sit down together, go on until concludes that agreement and throughout the implementation till it is peacefully a point, a very important point of time. And we are here also to look toward the future and are also ready to cooperate and work together with (inaudible) the Secretary and everybody who is here.
Press Release from the U.S. Agency for International Development, January 31, 2011Footnote 7
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide additional food assistance to Liberia for refugees who have fled post-election violence in Cote d'Ivoire. Soon after the violent outbreak, USAID's Office of Food for Peace authorized the use of food commodities already in Liberia for emergency food assistance for the first Ivorian refugees who crossed the border. Now, USAID is providing an additional $3 million to the World Food Program (WFP) to help feed more than 30,000 refugees already in Liberia. The additional funding will provide an estimated 2,100 tons of food aid to help meet the needs of new refugees.
“This contribution will help feed tens of thousands who have fled Cote d'Ivoire in the aftermath of post-election violence,” said Nancy Lindborg, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance. “As the situation in Cote d'Ivoire remains unstable, we will work with our partners to provide assistance to those who have left their homeland fearing for their lives. Our contribution reinforces our mission to provide emergency assistance to crises around the world.”
USAID responds to global food insecurity by providing both emergency food assistance to help people affected by conflicts and natural disasters and longer-term development food assistance to address the underlying causes of hunger. In FY 2010, USAID's Office of Food for Peace provided over $2.1 billion in food assistance, including approximately 2.1 million tons of Title II food aid as part of programs valued at approximately $1.9 billion in 48 countries, as well as $244 million in grants in 17 countries for local and regional procurement of food commodities, food vouchers and cash transfers under the new Emergency Food Security Program.
Some of the commodities going to Liberia will come from USAID's global supply chain system under which USAID rotates 100,000 tons of food aid commodities through six prepositioning sites around the world. When food aid is needed—whether for a continuing emergency or a new crisis—USAID uses commodities from the prepositioning sites, and then refills the sites with new orders. By instituting this system on a large, global scale, USAID can supply food aid quickly.
Statement by President Obama, February 7, 2011Footnote 8
President Obama. On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Southern Sudan for a successful and inspiring referendum in which an overwhelmingly majority of voters chose independence. I am therefore pleased to announce the intention of the United States to formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July 2011.
After decades of conflict, the images of millions of southern Sudanese voters deciding their own future was an inspiration to the world and another step forward in Africa's long journey toward justice and democracy. Now, all parties have a responsibility to ensure that this historic moment of promise becomes a moment of lasting progress. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement must be fully implemented and outstanding disputes must be resolved peacefully. At the same time, there must be an end to attacks on civilians in Darfur and a definitive end to that conflict.
As I pledged in September when addressing Sudanese leaders, the United States will continue to support the aspirations of all Sudanese—north and south, east and west. We will work with the governments of Sudan and Southern Sudan to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition to independence. For those who meet all of their obligations, there is a path to greater prosperity and normal relations with the United States, including examining Sudan's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. And while the road ahead will be difficult, those who seek a future of dignity and peace can be assured that they will have a steady partner and friend in the United States.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton, February 7, 2011Footnote 9
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. The United States congratulates the Government of Sudan on the announcement of the Southern Sudan referendum results. We congratulate northern and southern leaders for facilitating a peaceful and orderly vote, and now that the people of Southern Sudan have made this compelling statement, we commend the Government of Sudan for accepting its outcome.
We look forward to working with southern leaders as they undertake the tremendous amount of work to prepare for independence in July and ensure the creation of two viable states living alongside each other in peace. The Government of Southern Sudan must launch a process of inclusive governance and take steps to improve good governance and service delivery, as well as to adopt long-term security and economic arrangements with the North.
In line with the bilateral discussions held between the United States and the Government of Sudan, and in recognition of the success of the Southern Sudan referendum as a critical milestone of the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the United States is initiating the process of withdrawing Sudan's State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, the first step of which is initiating a review of that designation. Removal of the State Sponsor of Terrorism designation will take place if and when Sudan meets all criteria spelled out in U.S. law, including not supporting international terrorism for the preceding six months and providing assurance it will not support such acts in the future, and fully implements the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including reaching a political solution on Abyei and key post-referendum arrangements.
We urge both northern and southern leaders to continue to work together toward full implementation of the CPA, and urge them to work expediently to reach agreement on the post-referendum arrangements that will define their future and lead to a mutually beneficial relationship.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton, February 22, 2011Footnote 10
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. The United States strongly condemns the murder of four U.S. citizens, whose yacht, the QUEST, was seized by pirates off the coast of Oman. This deplorable act firmly underscores the need for continued international progress toward confronting the shared security challenge posed by piracy in the waters off the Horn of Africa.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ families at this time. We will honor their memory by continuing to strengthen international partnerships in order to bring these maritime criminals to justice.
The United States encourages those members of the international community concerned about stability in Somalia and piracy to contribute to AMISOM by providing material, financial, and logistical support. The United States also encourages additional African contributions to the AMISOM peacekeeping force.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton, March 4, 2011Footnote 11
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. The United States strongly condemns Laurent Gbagbo's acts of violence perpetrated against the people of Cote d'Ivoire, including his security forces’ attack yesterday on unarmed women demonstrators that left seven dead. Gbagbo and his forces have shown a callous disregard for human life and the rule of law, preying on the unarmed and the innocent. He should step aside immediately in the name of peace.
Gbabgo's selfish effort to cling to power despite losing the election has elevated tensions and eroded the fundamental rights of Ivoirian civilians. Since December, Gbagbo has used security forces to attack the very people he claims to represent, and deprived Ivorian citizens of access to water and electricity. Indeed, Cote d'Ivoire's most vulnerable citizens, its women and children, are suffering the most.
The United States calls for an immediate end to the violence. Military leaders, regime officials, and others responsible for directing or committing violent acts against civilians will have to answer for their actions.
Statement by President Obama, March 9, 2011Footnote 12
President Obama. I strongly condemn the abhorrent violence against unarmed civilians in Cote d'Ivoire. I am particularly appalled by the indiscriminate killing of unarmed civilians during peaceful rallies, many of them women, including those who were gunned down as they marched in support of the legitimately elected President Alassane Ouattara. Reports indicate that the women were shot to death by security forces loyal to former President Laurent Gbagbo. On March 8—the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day—we saw pictures of women peacefully rallying with signs that said, “Don't shoot us”—a strong testament to the bravery of women exercising their right of peaceful assembly.
The United States remains deeply concerned about escalating violence, including the deepening humanitarian and economic crisis and its impact in Cote d'Ivoire and neighboring countries. All armed parties in Cote d'Ivoire must make every effort to protect civilians from being targeted, harmed, or killed. The United States reiterates its commitment to work with the international community to ensure that perpetrators of such atrocities be identified and held individually accountable for their actions.
As we have said since the election results in Cote d'Ivoire were certified: the people of Cote d'Ivoire elected Alassane Ouattara as their President, and Laurent Gbagbo lost the election. Former President Gbagbo's efforts to hold on to power at the expense of his own country are an assault on the universal rights of his people, and the democracy that the Cote d'Ivoire deserves. The people of Cote d'Ivoire have extraordinary talent and potential, and they deserve leadership that is responsive to their hopes and aspirations. It is time for former President Gbagbo to heed the will of his people, and to complete a peaceful transition of power to President Ouattara.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton, March 18, 2011Footnote 13
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. The United States condemns Laurent Gbagbo's continued attacks on unarmed civilians in Cote d'Ivoire and we demand an immediate end to this brutality. Gbagbo's indiscriminate violence against civilians cannot be tolerated. All individuals responsible for ordering or carrying out these heinous acts will have to answer for their actions.
Gbagbo's claim that he represents the Ivoirian people belies his persistent refusal to participate in the peaceful transition recommended by the African Union. Gbagbo's incendiary rhetoric, such as his recent call for civilians to take up arms against their fellow citizens, stands in stark contrast to President Ouattara's appeal for calm and restraint among the Ivoirian people. Now is the time for all Ivoirians to embrace the path of peace and to unite in rebuilding Cote d'Ivoire so that future generations can enjoy the stability and prosperity that all Ivoirians deserve.
The United States is providing humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the growing violence, including a $4.5 million food aid contribution to the United Nations World Food Program in Cote d'Ivoire and a $7.5 million contribution for refugees in neighboring Liberia. We will continue to assist those affected by this violence and help put an end to the crisis.
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton, March 31, 2011Footnote 14
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Washington, DC
Secretary Clinton. Good afternoon, everyone. I'm very pleased to be here this afternoon to introduce Ambassador Princeton Lyman as our new special envoy for Sudan. I'm also delighted to welcome his wife, Lois, and to thank her for being a partner as she has been throughout your very distinguished career to the service that you render our country, Princeton.
Now, Ambassador Lyman is taking over the helm of our important work as the special envoy to Sudan from another very dedicated public servant, Scott Gration. And Scott has been instrumental to our work in Sudan over the last two years. We are absolutely delighted that the President has nominated him to be our next Ambassador to Kenya, and we will continue to rely on his passion and skills for the people of the region, and we thank you for your service.
This is a critical moment in Sudan's history. Two months ago, in a peaceful display of democratic values, the people of Southern Sudan expressed their clear unequivocal choice. They want to live in a free, independent country, and now we look forward to a peaceful separation of these two states in July. The Government of Sudan played an important role by creating the conditions that allowed voters to express their will without fear, intimidation, or coercion. And since the vote, the government has continued to move this process forward with the same spirit of cooperation.
But as Princeton and I were just discussing with Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson, who's been our partner in this endeavor, there is still so much work to be done and so much in the way of challenges that lie ahead. One of the most important tasks is to end the conflict in Darfur and to alleviate, and hopefully end, the suffering of its people. I continue to call on all parties to come together immediately to reach a peaceful solution. To do this, all parties should join the peace process in Doha. The Liberation and Justice Movement, the Justice and Equality Movement, and the Government of Sudan must engage in direct face-to-face negotiations and reach a settlement that includes a ceasefire.
Now is the time for meaningful dialogue that produces concrete results. The United States is committed to working with the international community to bring all parties together, to end the suffering and conflict, and forge a lasting peace that will contribute to the better days ahead for the people of both the North and the South.
We are also concerned about the dangerous standoff in the Abyei region of Sudan. We call on both sides to take immediate steps to prevent future attacks and restore calm. Violence is simply unacceptable. The deployment of forces by both sides is in violation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and undermines the goodwill from January's referendum, which was a very important foundation for the peaceful future of Sudan. Before July's deadline, as outlined by the CPA, both sides must reach an agreement on Abyei that meets the needs of all communities in the region and is consistent with the CPA's Abyei protocol.
The United States is committed to the peace, security, and prosperity of both the North and the South, which is why the President has chosen Ambassador Lyman for this important job. His experience as U.S. Ambassador during South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy will prove invaluable during the next few months. His diplomatic skills were on display during the mediation talks between the North and South, and he is well positioned to advise the Sudanese people at this critical juncture. With Princeton guiding our efforts, the United States will continue to support both sides as they work to fulfill the CPA and make the transition to independence. In this new role, Ambassador Lyman will help the Sudanese people make good on the work they've already accomplished.
Now, we understand the peaceful separation of these two states will be difficult, but we believe there is a clear path to a stronger, more stable, and peaceful future. I know that Princeton is really so committed to this, ready to go. He has the confidence of both President Obama and myself, he's got a great team that will be backing him up and working with him, and we just want to thank you for taking on yet another challenge that is important not only to the people of Sudan, but to the United States as well.
