Madame Molinier
Ladies and Gentlemen

I have the pleasure to participate with you in this signing ceremony for the US contribution of $200,000 to the UNDP basket fund which will be used to finance the Mauritanian electoral process.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This amount represents only a part of the American contribution toward the organization of these elections.  Our total contribution will allow us, among other things, to finance a program to be conducted by the National Democratic Institute over the course of several years. These additional funds available to the Embassy will be used to encourage the development of democracy, liberty, and the organization of free and fair elections in Mauritania.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

As you know, this contribution comes at a crucial moment in the life of Mauritania.  It is offered within the framework of the efforts made by the international community, particularly the United Nations, to contribute to the organization of free and fair elections in Mauritania.  The American government expresses, by this contribution, its total support for the efforts aimed at building a democratic and prosperous society in Mauritania.

Thank you.

Joseph LeBaron
United States Ambassador to Mauritania

Nouakchott, July 19, 2006.