21 September 2001

Text: U.S. Amb.-designate to Cote d'Ivoire Testifies Before Senate

"I will do everything possible to secure Cote d'Ivoire's support for the international coalition against terrorism," Arlene Render, the U.S. ambassador-designate to Cote d'Ivoire, told the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee September 21.

In testimony, Render, a former U.S. ambassador to Zambia and The Gambia, acknowledged that Cote d'Ivoire remains, even in recession, the economic engine of the subregion, but added that the country is "experiencing a difficult period in its history."

The United States government, she added, supports national reconciliation and encourages that the process be broad-based and inclusive.

"Since the end of the Guei military regime in October 2000," she acknowledged, "there has been some progress in each of these areas but more needs to be done."

She quickly added that the United States "must continue to encourage this progress."

Additionally, Render told the lawmakers that "trafficking in children must be eliminated."

Following is the text of Ambassador-designate Render's testimony:

Statement of Arlene Render
Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire
Before the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

September 21, 2001

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I am deeply honored to appear before you today. I thank the President and the Secretary of State for the trust and confidence placed in me as their nominee for Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire. I have served 31 years in our diplomatic service and a preponderance of my service has been on the African continent or involvement with it in Washington.

I have spent the past two years as the Director of Southern African Affairs in the Department of State and prior to that I served as Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia. I have also had the honor of serving as Ambassador to The Gambia. I am pleased that along the journey of life that I learned to sometimes take "the road less traveled." I have thoroughly enjoyed my Foreign Service career and look forward to continuing my service to our great country.

If confirmed, I look forward to advancing U.S. interests not only in Cote d'Ivoire but throughout Africa. It is clear that the continent of Africa will only achieve its greatness through the development of democratic institutions to include respect for the rule of law, support of and appreciation for its people and a real commitment, not only in words but deeds, to economic growth and development. I also believe we must continue, in close collaboration with African countries, to confront the scourge of HIV/AIDS.

Cote d'Ivoire remains, even in recession, the economic engine of the subregion. It has an open and free market economy based on private property. It has built by far the most successful economy in the region, accounting for fully 40 percent of the Gross Domestic Product of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. The administrative capital, Abidjan, also serves as a key regional hub for travel, banking, finance and trade.

Even so, Cote d'Ivoire is experiencing a difficult period in its history in which the foundation it was built on is crumbling. The principal players in the drama appear to be oblivious to the need for peace and stability except on their own terms. It is critically important that the political players recognize the weight on their shoulders to keep Cote d'Ivoire from becoming a grave statistic, which would further undermine an already fragile region.

The United States Government supports national reconciliation and encourages that the process be broad-based and inclusive. We also encourage the country to continue to curb serious human rights abuses and to work with the International Financial Institutions to ensure economic growth and development. Since the end of the Guei military regime in October 2000, there has been some progress in each of these areas but more needs to be done. I believe we must continue to encourage this progress and I will diligently work and support efforts towards achieving these goals.

As the mother of two children, I cannot underscore enough my love for all children. Trafficking in children must be eliminated and I will use my office to help make this a reality. I will work with the government of Cote d'Ivoire and civil society to ensure the well-being of children regardless of their nationality or circumstances at birth.

I will do everything possible to secure Cote d'Ivoire's support for the international coalition against terrorism. I will be attentive at all times to the safety and well-being of Americans in Cote d'Ivoire. The construction of a new mission is envisioned and I look forward to working with the Congress and the Department of State to achieve this objective.

Mr. Chairman, I thank you for your time and interest in Africa, and assure you that if confirmed, I will promote U.S. interests in Cote d'Ivoire and the region.