Eric M. WONG
Sans tambour ni trompette, le nouveau Chargé d’Affaires de l’ambassade des Etats-Unis, le sino-américain Eric Wong, s’est présenté, ce 16 septembre 2011 à l’ambassade bunker de la route digue. Voici son discours en anglais.
Excellencies, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, ladies and gentlemen, fellow Americans:
Thank you for joining me here today.
Together with my wife, Kyong, let me first welcome you all to the American Embassy.
This new building -perhaps one of the largest built by a foreign country in Antananarivo, and built to last for nearly a century- highlights the deep commitment of the United States to the people of Madagascar.
My family and I are delighted to be here in Antananarivo, an important assignment in a diplomatic career that has taken us from Washington, D.C., to China, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and now, Madagascar.
I am very excited to join you during a critical time in Madagascar’s history.
When I departed from the United States on Sunday, President Obama delivered remarks framed by the biblical quote, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” President Obama was referring to the tragedy of September 11th, an event that deeply affected Americans and people around the world. Today, Madagascar continues to suffer another tragedy: an extended political crisis, which has lasted for more than 2 years.
It remains unclear by what path the Malagasy people can take to exit that crisis. But no matter the path that is taken, we know that the Malagasy people will insist that the final destination be the return of democratic, constitutional rule. I can assure all of you that America will stand with the Malagasy people in that process.
During these last 2 years, the position of the United States has been firm:
· We continue to be Madagascar’s largest bilateral donor, contributing more than 85 million dollars to provide food and health services to hundreds of thousands of Malagasy.
· We support the efforts of SADC, the Southern African Development Community, to build a consensus leading to free, fair, and transparent elections.
· We insist on respect for human rights, a halt to human trafficking, the arrest and conviction of pedophiles who abuse Malagasy children and the protection of the rich flora and fauna that are not just a Malagasy heritage, but a global treasure.
Again, we stand by to assist Madagascar in those efforts.
Madagascar has all the tools necessary for success. Nevertheless, Madagascar’s political leaders,
both past, and present, have failed to leverage Madagascar’s vast human and natural resources to better the future of the nearly 20 million Malagasy citizens.
While many debate the role of the international community in promoting, or hindering, Madagascar’s development, it remains the responsibility of the Malagasy leaders and people to decide for themselves on the steps needed to break free from the cycle of repeated political crisis, and to put Madagascar permanently back on the path to democracy and economic prosperity.
Center from Left to right, Eric Wong, deputy chief of mission to the U.S. Embassy to Djibouti and Navy Capt. Dennis Gallagher, J-5 Effects deputy director stand with members of Charlie Company 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, Enterprise Dur Dur and members of the community following the dedication ceremony.
The United States is fully aware that these are not easy steps. Over its own history, America has had to overcome various obstacles to its own progress, and will continue to do so.
Madagascar too can turn the tides of its future around, to take concrete actions to advance its development, and to provide better opportunities for its citizenry.
In the short term, we continue to call on all Malagasy political actors to implement an inclusive and consensual solution that sets up a truly neutral transition capable of organizing free and fair elections.
In the long term, we see Madagascar as a country with enormous potential: a country that can play a key role in the future development of the Indian Ocean, southern Africa, and the world at large.
To make this vision a reality, however, Madagascar must develop the strong institutions and good governance necessary to leverage its natural and human resources and to pass these benefits on to its people.
During this time of political crisis, I am proud that the United States remains a strong and vibrant partner to the Malagasy people. Through the activities of USAID, the Agency for International Development, the United States is Madagascar’s largest bilateral donor, with programs totaling over 85 million dollars in 2011.
· Our food security programs reach almost 100 thousand families in the south and east of Madagascar.
· Our health projects employ over ten thousand people, and are located in one thousand, one hundred and fifty communes throughout the country. When up and running, these health projects will cover nearly three-quarters of Madagascar’s population, primarily in remote rural areas.
· Thanks to our anti-malarial campaign, we are on track to completely eradicate malaria from Madagascar.
· In addition, the United States makes significant contributions to multilateral organizations, such as the World Bank, and the United Nations, where we remain the largest contributor.
· Today, the United States Peace Corps is swearing in 27 more volunteers, bringing the total number of Peace Corps volunteers in Madagascar to 149.
This morning, let us salute these American volunteers -many of whom are working in the most remote and poor areas of Madagascar, in partnership with local communities- in order to enhance the quality of education, protect the environment, and help small businesses.
In conclusion, while the people of Madagascar may be experiencing the “weeping which endures for a night,” the American people and the U.S. Mission will work hand-in-hand with the Malagasy people to ensure that “joy cometh in the morning.”
The United States is ready and willing to help the Malagasy achieve this new day. But let me underscore that real, enduring change is ultimately up to the leaders and people of Madagascar. I look forward to meeting and working with each of you to realize this brighter and better future. Thank you.
Eric M. WONG
U.S. Embassy, September 16th, 2011