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HIGHLIGHTS-Obama's speech on Africa in Ghana's capital

11 Jul 2009 13:08:56 GMT
Source: Reuters

July 11 (Reuters) - Below are highlights of U.S. President Barack Obama's address to members of Ghana's parliament on Saturday, the main speech of his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as president.

U.S.-AFRICA RELATIONSHIP

"I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world -- as partners with America on behalf of the future that we want for all our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility

"We must start from the simple premise that Africa's future is up to Africans. I say this knowing full well the tragic past that has sometimes haunted this part of the world. I have the blood of Africa within me, and my family's own story encompasses both the tragedies and triumphs of the larger African story."

GOOD GOVERNANCE

"This is a new moment of promise.

"To realize that promise, we must first recognize a fundamental truth that you have given life to in Ghana: development depends upon good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places, for far too long. That is the change that can unlock Africa's potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans.

"In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success -- strong parliaments and honest police forces; independent judges and journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil society."

DEMOCRACY

"Make no mistake: history is on the side of these brave Africans, and not with those who use coups or change constitutions to stay in power. Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.

"America will not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation -- the essential truth of democracy is that each nation determines its own destiny. What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions.

"With better governance, I have no doubt that Africa holds the promise of a broader base for prosperity."

TRADE

"America can also do more to promote trade and investment. Wealthy nations must open our doors to goods and services from Africa in a meaningful way."

CLIMATE

"One area that holds out both undeniable peril and extraordinary promise is energy. Africa gives off less greenhouse gas than any other part of the world, but it is the most threatened by climate change.

"We can also work with Africans to turn this crisis into opportunity."

HEALTH

"Building on the strong efforts of President Bush, we will carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS. We will pursue the goal of ending deaths from malaria and tuberculosis, and eradicating polio. We will fight neglected tropical disease."

CONFLICT

"Africa is not the crude caricature of a continent at war. But for far too many Africans, conflict is a part of life, as constant as the sun.

"When there is genocide in Darfur or terrorists in Somalia, these are not simply African problems -- they are global security challenges, and they demand a global response. That is why we stand ready to partner through diplomacy, technical assistance, and logistical support, and will stand behind efforts to hold war criminals accountable."

MESSAGE TO AFRICAN YOUTH

"You have the power to hold your leaders accountable, and to build institutions that serve the people. You can serve in your communities, and harness your energy and education to create new wealth and build new connections to the world. You can conquer disease, end conflicts, and make change from the bottom up. You can do that. Yes you can. Because in this moment, history is on the move.

"Freedom is your inheritance. Now, it is your responsibility to build upon freedom's foundation. And if you do, we will look back years from now to places like Accra and say that this was the time when the promise was realized -- this was the moment when prosperity was forged; pain was overcome; and a new era of progress began. This can be the time when we witness the triumph of justice once more."

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