Madame Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs
Members of the government
Mr. Representative of the National Democratic Institute
Political party leaders
NGO leaders
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to be with you today for the opening ceremony of this forum organized by NDI, whose principal objective is to encourage the participation of Mauritanian women in the upcoming elections, particularly the municipal and legislative elections.

Honored participants

The interest of this forum resides in the fact that it occurs in the midst of important changes that the country has known for several months. That requires on your part the realization of the importance of making the right choices for the future; and making them so they will be taken into consideration.  Also, it is your responsibility, Mauritanian women, more than ever, to participate in the building of a future which is best suited to your country.  However, it requires a broad and concerted dialogue and coordination at all levels amongst all participants.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The significant participation of women, who represent more than half of Mauritanian society, in the lists of candidates for the next municipal and legislative elections, is of capital importance for us all.  Because from our point of view, it will contribute to the development of the people in a climate stamped with liberty, democracy, and equality.  To be certain of this, all we need to do is to compare Mauritanian women to other women in Muslim societies.  We can say on this subject that the Mauritanian woman distinguishes herself by her fervent attachment to her liberty and by her arduous struggle to fully participate as an equal partner in building her country.

Honored participants

During this forum you will exchange ideas and points of view in order to find the best means of building the future of Mauritania by ensuring a strong participation of women in this endeavor.  This requires from my point of view, first of all, of taking into account the experiences of other generations and other nations and secondly, drawing conclusions from these historical precedents.

I would like to conclude by wishing you complete success in your work.

I thank you.

Joseph LeBaron
United States Ambassador to Mauritania
Nouakchott, May 30, 2006