U.S. won’t interfere in Nigeria’s affairs, says envoy

THE United States (U.S.) has ruled out interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, especially the constitutional reforms and the Niger Delta crisis but said it was deeply concerned about the remaining three hostages still being held by militants in the area.
Nine foreign workers were taken hostage by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) militants on February 18 while six of them were later freed. The remaining three – two Americans and a Briton – are still being held hostage.
In a joint video briefing in Abuja and Lagos, at the U.S. Consulate-General Public Affairs Section (PAS) yesterday, U.S. ambassador, John Campbell, also hinted that it was still the desire of the American government and people to have former Liberian President Charles Taylor, tried for crimes against humanity which he allegedly committed within and outside Liberia.
The envoy who spoke on sundry issues pertaining to bilateral ties between Nigeria and the U.S., affirmed Washington’s readiness to give assistance to Abuja in any area when called upon.
He said the U.S. was pleased with the ongoing crackdown on corruption and drugs-related crimes by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration but due to U.S. classified rule, names of some Nigerian officials whose diplomatic visas were revoked would not be made public.
He said: “Constitutional arrangements are to be determined by Nigerians. The friends of Nigeria, including the U.S. will be watching carefully on how the constitution is amended. We are devoted to democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria and if Nigerians decide to see the constitution amended, we will be watching if the process is followed in a transparent way and according to the rule of law”.
Campbell insisted that the Niger Delta crisis is solely Nigeria’s internal issue and that maintenance of law and order lies with Nigerian authorities.
However, he added: “We are sympathetic to the aspiration of the people in the Niger Delta to have proper development and infrastructure. We believe that if these three remaining hostages are released and hope that there is no hostage-taking in the future, we will be able to assist the government to further develop the area.”
On Taylor, he declared: “It is the desire of the U.S. to have Charles Taylor tried for crimes committed within and outside Liberia and there is no question about this.
“The American people are committed to their friendship with Nigeria. Just two examples of that friendship are our partnership with Nigeria in the areas of avian influenza and HIV/AIDS (human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) issues important to both our nations”.
Campbell said since the avian influenza is a global challenge with animal and human health implications, the U.S. is working closely with its Nigerian counterpart, particularly with the ministries of agriculture, health and information that are taking the lead in the challenge.
According to him, co-ordinated and sustained efforts at all levels (federal, state, industry) are crucial to mount an effective response against avian influenza.
The U.S. government, he said, has allocated up to $25 million to support Nigeria’s avian influenza response plan and is working closely with the Federal Government to programme these resources the best way possible.
“In addition, America has provided personal protective equipment, laboratory equipment and supplies and technical assistance to the government. We look forward to continued close co-operation with the government on this important challenge,” he said.
“Nigeria is one of the 15 focus countries of the Emergency Plan, which collectively represents approximately 50 per cent of HIV infection worldwide. Under the Emergency Plan, Nigeria received $86.3 million in fiscal year 2004 and more than N100 million in fiscal year 2005 to support the government of Nigeria’s response to HIV/AIDS by providing comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care programming. In fiscal year 2006, the U.S. plans to provide approximately $163.1 million to support Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS (OGAC’s Current Country Profile for Nigeria).

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