19 November 2001

Powell Highlights Importance of U.S.-South African Relations

Washington -- Secretary of State Colin Powell told guests assembled in the ornate Ben Franklin Room of the State Department November 19 that the United States' relationship with South Africa "is one of our most vital and important, so it is no wonder that President Bush has chosen Cameron Hume, one of our most experienced and capable diplomats, to serve as his envoy" to Pretoria.

Powell took time out from knitting together the coalition of nations fighting the international terrorist networks responsible for the September 11 attacks on New York and the Pentagon to preside at the swearing-in ceremony for Hume. Also, by his presence, the busy secretary emphasized America's continued interest in African affairs.

Declaring, "We value greatly South Africa's resolve in the fight against terrorism," Powell at the same time emphasized the common U.S.-South African vision "of an entire continent that is democratic, prosperous, and at peace."

Before administering the oath of office that every ambassador must take before moving to a new post, Powell said: "Cameron's career has been one of great distinction and dedicated service. His demanding duties, often in dangerous posts, have meant that he has been separated from his family for nearly half of his career."

Hume, a graduate of Princeton University, is a 30-year career Foreign Service officer who learned Arabic and has experience working on conflict resolution issues in sub-Saharan Africa. He was U.S. ambassador to Algeria from 1997 to 2000 and his most recent assignment was as special adviser to the permanent U.S. representative at the United Nations.

Pointing out that Hume had worked as the State Department desk officer responsible for South Africa in the late 1970s, Powell said, "This assignment is something of a homecoming for Cameron, but, thankfully, he will be returning to a very different South Africa."

According to Powell, "South Africa has emerged from decades of international isolation and domestic turmoil. It has had a peaceful transition of power from President Mandela to President Mbeki. It has extended democracy to the grassroots through local elections. It has embraced open-market principles and initiated economic reforms. It has shown the world that revolutionary changes can be made without violence and that great injustices can be redressed without revenge."

Now, said Powell, "with equal courage and determination, South Africa is facing many more challenges."

Turning toward South African envoy Sheila Sisulu, the secretary said, "Madam Ambassador, the United States wants to help you meet those challenges -- both domestic and regional -- and President Bush and I know that we can rely on Cameron Hume to work with energy and enthusiasm toward our common goals."

On the fight against international terrorism, Powell repeated, "We appreciate President Mbeki's resounding condemnation of the September 11 attacks and we were moved indeed by former President Mandela's resolute words of support when he visited President Bush just last week."

On the security front, Powell said: "America fully supports South Africa's efforts to bring an end to regional conflicts in the Congo and the Great Lakes region. Here Cameron's experience in conflict resolution will be a strong asset indeed."

Economic ties with South Africa are also of interest to U.S. policymakers, Powell said, and he pointed out that "America has been South Africa's largest investor since 1994. Our two-way trade is expanding. And South Africa is taking full advantage of tariff elimination under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is creating thousands of jobs for South Africans."

The secretary added: "We also seek to work with South Africa on the environment, education, crime and health. On this last point, America is deeply committed to helping South Africa combat HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases."

Following his remarks, Powell administered the oath of office to Hume, whose hand rested on a Bible. Witnessing the ceremony were members of the diplomat's family, including his wife Rigmor and daughters Laura, Heather, Jasmine, and Ivy.