Togo-USA: The Path to Democracy
Published in République Togolaise
(Togo) on 5 July 2010
by Koffi Souza (link to original)
(Togo) on 5 July 2010
by Koffi Souza (link to original)
Translated from
by Tabitha Middleton .
Edited by Julia Uyttewaal.
The art of diplomacy is all about nuance. Ambassadors’ expressions are often convoluted and stuffy — it is often a matter of avoiding standing out so as not to provoke controversy.
This means that, when a member of a diplomatic body expresses herself clearly, it is because she wants to and because it reflects a choice made by the highest authorities in her government.
In this regard, the address given by the brilliant U.S. ambassador to Togo, Patricia M. Hawkins (photo), at America's national celebration is of particular importance. The eminent figure notably declared that: "Thanks to the presidential election on the fourth of last March, recognized by the international community as one of the most credible in Togo's history, and thanks to the largely open government recently put in place, Togo is about to take its place as a viable and recognized member of the national community."*
At a time when minority groups are attempting to discredit the presidential election, the diplomat's remarks sound like a call to order — a call to cease this campaign of lies and denigration, which poorly conceals personal interest. The ambassador rejoices with all the people of Togo at the Faure-Olympio reconciliation and the constitution of an open government.
This benevolent appreciation is not complacent because the ambassador did not forget to point out the reforms that are being imposed in the hopes that Togolese leaders will "continue to fight against corruption, continue to develop a truly independent judicial system, to encourage freedom of expression and to favour an equitable and competitive political system.”
It is in friendship with the American people and their leaders that Togo intends to follow its path to democracy.
*Editor's Note: Original English-language quotation could not be verified.
This means that, when a member of a diplomatic body expresses herself clearly, it is because she wants to and because it reflects a choice made by the highest authorities in her government.
In this regard, the address given by the brilliant U.S. ambassador to Togo, Patricia M. Hawkins (photo), at America's national celebration is of particular importance. The eminent figure notably declared that: "Thanks to the presidential election on the fourth of last March, recognized by the international community as one of the most credible in Togo's history, and thanks to the largely open government recently put in place, Togo is about to take its place as a viable and recognized member of the national community."*
At a time when minority groups are attempting to discredit the presidential election, the diplomat's remarks sound like a call to order — a call to cease this campaign of lies and denigration, which poorly conceals personal interest. The ambassador rejoices with all the people of Togo at the Faure-Olympio reconciliation and the constitution of an open government.
This benevolent appreciation is not complacent because the ambassador did not forget to point out the reforms that are being imposed in the hopes that Togolese leaders will "continue to fight against corruption, continue to develop a truly independent judicial system, to encourage freedom of expression and to favour an equitable and competitive political system.”
It is in friendship with the American people and their leaders that Togo intends to follow its path to democracy.
*Editor's Note: Original English-language quotation could not be verified.