US opens center for African strategic studies in Ethiopia
Oct 27, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Africa Center for Strategic Studies opened its first regional office in Ethiopia October 26 with a ceremony at the office site, which is located within the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa.
The office is designed to allow the Africa Center better access to African leaders and other community members on the continent. Backed by the US Department of State, the ACSS would conduct researches and studies aimed at peacefully resolving conflicts and problems in the African continent through dialogue.
The ceremony featured remarks by Girma Woldegiorgis, President of Ethiopia; the Patrick Mazimhaka, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union; Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, U.S. Charge d’ Affaires Ambassador Vicki Huddleston; and General (retired) Carlton W. Fulford, former Director of the Africa Center.
In a meeting with the former head of ACSS, (Ret) US general, Carlton Fulford, Thursday 26 October, Meles said that the decision taken by the US government to open the centre in Ethiopia is inspiring.
Meles said that the opening of ACSS would enable to conduct studies and researches that would help prevent conflicts in the African continent.
General Fulford said he has discussed with Prime Minister Meles the importance of opening the centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s support to its activities as well as issues related to conflicts in the Sudan and Somalia.
Countries in the Horn of Africa should work jointly in order to peacefully resolve conflicts and other complex problems, Fulford said.
The existing situation in the Horn of Africa has been complex, General Fulford said, adding countries in the continent should exert joint efforts to find solution to problems.
At the inaugural ceremony, President Girma said that the opening of the centre has a paramount significance towards assisting Ethiopia and the rest of east African countries to solve security challenges that had hampered their development agenda for decades.
Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, on her part said that the first regional office of ACSS is opened here for the very reason that Addis Ababa is the seat for AU and other international organizations and its proximity to other east African regional and sub-regional organizations.
She underscored that every one of us should coordinate our effort and take the responsibility to bring peace and stability in the region as well as through out Africa since they are the most important component to bring prosperity and democratic leadership.
African Union Commission deputy chairperson, Patrick Mazimhaka, recalled that the commission has done a lot to resolve peace and security problems across the continent.
The opening of the office indicates the commitment of US government to share the burden of the commission, he said adding that the commission work with ACSS to get the best outcomes out of it.
(ST)