For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 27, 2002
President Meets with African Leaders
Statement by the President
Today I met with three presidents who can help bring peace and
prosperity to southern Africa. Presidents dos Santos of
Angola, Chissano of Mozambique, and Mogae of Botswana and I discussed
our common interests in working with each other, and through the
Southern African Development Community (SADC), to bring greater peace,
prosperity, and stability to the region.
I reiterated that expanding trade is the surest path to sustainable
development. I commended the three presidents leadership in
developing a regional strategy to combat HIV/AIDS, and promote economic
integration. As part of that effort, I asked the presidents
to join my call for the World Bank to begin providing 50 percent of its
assistance to the worlds poorest nations in the form of grants rather
than loans.
The three presidents also discussed the tragic wars in Angola and
the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We agreed that peace
is within reach of both countries. I urged President dos
Santos to move quickly toward achieving a cease-fire in
Angola. And we agreed that all parties have an obligation to
seize this moment to end the war, and develop Angolas vast wealth to
the benefit of the Angolan people. President dos Santos has
it within his power to end 26 years of fighting by reaching out to all
Angolans willing to lay down their arms. Angolans deserve no
less.
Finally, I commend the work of former President Masire, President
Mbeki, and other SADC leaders -- including Presidents dos Santos,
Chissano and Mogae -- on the Inter-Congolese Dialogue in South
Africa. I remain committed to working with the leaders of
southern Africa to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
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