Mister Director of Youth
Representatives of NGOs and political parties
Esteemed participants
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be with you today at this ceremony to open this workshop organized by the United States Embassy, the objective of which is to assist young candidates better familiarize themselves with running and winning elections.  This workshop is the first in a series which will take place in other regions of the country. They are offered as part of the Embassy’s efforts to contribute to the success of the democratic process in Mauritania.

To our participants:

The interest of this seminar resides in the fact that it comes within the context of the important changes that the country has known over the last year. It requires a greater awareness on your part to reflect the choices of the future and in such a way that those choices are taken into account. And it is to you more than ever to contribute to the building of your country in a way which is best for your country.

During today’s workshop you will, with Dr. Douglas Yates, exchange ideas and points of view on the best means to conduct a good electoral campaign, of attracting voters, and thus winning an election even though you are young, without much experience in this area, and in competition with other candidates who have other campaign methods.  It’s up to you to profit as much as possible from your exchanges today, to take into account the experience of other generations and other nations, and to leave with those conclusions that will aid you in the coming weeks.

I wish you the best success and I thank you.

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

Nouakchott

October 30, 2006