Mr. Minister of Culture and Communication
Members of the Government
Madame Vice-President of the Senate
Mr. President of HAPA
Political Party Leaders
Press Association Presidents
Journalists
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The existence of a free and active press in democratic societies is more than a necessity. It permits the people to assure themselves that their point of view is heard by those in government and vice versa. This constitutes an important element in the American vision of liberty of the press. For the press helps to define the relation which exists between the government and the governed, from which comes the term “Fourth Estate” given to the press by Thomas Jefferson, one of the architects of American democracy.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The United States has a particular interest in the emergence of a democratic society in Mauritania.  To realize this, we think it is necessary to develop a free and professional press, and to open the airwaves to new private radio and television in order to enrich the Mauritanian media landscape.  We are ready to support the new government in any action dedicated to freedom of expression and the creation of credible and responsible institutions, in the printed press as well as the broadcast media.  

Esteemed Journalists

I wish you well on this special day.  Thank you.

Steven Koutsis
Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Mauritania.

Nouakchott, May 3, 2007