Statement On Press Freedom In The Gambia
The United States is deeply saddened and disappointed by the recent verdict and sentencing of the 6 Gambian journalists charged with sedition and defamation. This action is a travesty for freedom of expression in The Gambia and an affront to democracy. The U.S. has closely monitored the trial and would like to remind The Gambia of its current leadership of the African Union's Human Rights Commission and its obligation to protect international human rights and freedom of speech as guaranteed by international conventions to which The Gambia is a signatory. The courts decision violates not only accepted international norms, but the imperatives of governance of the 21st century.
The United States, along with other responsible countries will continue to protest this action until the journalists are released.
No government likes to be criticized, but every democratic government must realize that criticism, even harsh criticism, of its actions and policies is a fundamental right of the people. Libel laws and laws against seditious speech should never be used to suppress this right. In this day and age, any government that does not do this will isolate itself and fall further behind responsible countries that embrace universal principles.
A New beginning
On June 4, President Barack Obama gave a speech in Cairo, Egypt, outlining his personal commitment to engagement with the Muslim world, based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. He discussed how the United States and Muslim communities around the world can bridge some of the differences that have divided them. Please see the attached link for additional information:
http://www.america.gov/obama_cairo.html
US Embassy Banjul Recast President Obama’s Speech to the Muslim World
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Muslim leaders listening to President Obama's Speech
to Muslims. |
On Thursday 4 June, 2009, U.S Embassy in Banjul showed the recast of President Obama’s Speech to over 30 religious leaders, civil society members, and journalists at the embassy. The Immediate reaction of the audience was very positive and audience members were clapping and audibly agreeing through out the speech. The President of the Supreme Islamic Council commented that “it was not a only a speech, but a sermon, that will change the relationship America has with the entire world. “ Other Government officials and local Imams all commented on the “supremacy” of the speech. All agreed that President Obama has high hopes and they pray that the points he made can be executed. One journalist highlighted President Obama’s bravery to go to a Muslim school and deliver such a speech. Other comments included the appreciation of the president’s reference to the Koran.
The speech demonstrated America’s commitment to engaging the Muslim world with new approaches based on mutual interest and mutual respect. The media coverage was very impressive, reaching over 600,000 Gambians. Some of the newspapers published the entire speech verbatim and made editorial comments. (view photo)
Embassy and Gambian Media Conduct a working visit to James Island
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James Island showing defense wall being built from
locally available tree stumps with high resistance to
water erosion. |
On Wednesday 3 June, 2009, Embassy Staff, the Peace Corp and The National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC) accompanied by representatives from all media houses, visited James Island to see work in progress on the restoration of James Island in Jufereh. Robert Hymn, visiting Consular Officer at the US embassy in The Gambia, noted that, the Embassy had decided to use the Ambassador’s Cultural Preservation Fund to prevent the Island from further deterioration. Baba Ceesay, director of Cultural Heritage at NCAC, the implementing agency of the project, described that once the restoration work is complete, it will minimize the affect of sea waves on the structures, which is one of the contributing factors to its deteriorating situation.
The interview demonstrated the USG’s support for both environmental and cultural preservation of historic sites. The interview received extensive coverage on all the major newspapers and GRTS TV evening news. The Pro government National newspaper did an editorial on it. (view photo)
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