JK CONGRATULATESOBAMA, PROMISES TO BOOST TIES

 

President Jakaya Kikwete yesterday congratulated US President Barack Obama’s for winning a re-election in Tuesday’s elections.

“On behalf of the government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, and indeed, on my own behalf, I wish to send you and through you to the Democratic Party many compliments for the victory,” said the president in a congratulatory message to Obama.

He said President Obama’s re-election was a clear indication of the trust and confidence that Americans have in his exemplary leadership.

"As you prepare to assume the leadership of your country for the new term, I would like to assure you personally and on behalf of my government that we will continue to work very closely to boost the existing relationship between our two countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, the US yesterday pledged continued support for Tanzania in its efforts to build a strong foundation for the thriving of democracy through peaceful means.

Reacting to US President Barack Obama’s re-election on Tuesday after defeating his Republican rival Mitt Romney, the US ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso Lenhardt said one lesson from the election is that there can be no real democracy in any nation without the peaceful acceptance of victory or defeat, the resolution to compete again, and to respect one another as citizens despite political differences.

Addressing an Election Day breakfast reception held at the US embassy in Dar es Salaam, the envoy said: “The mystery and beauty of democracy is crystallised in moments such as these…it’s that principle exemplified in today’s American elections.”

As President Barack Obama beat back a strong challenge from Republican Mitt Romney for the White House, the US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Dana Banks told the gathering that the event underscored the US priority to partner with Tanzanians in promoting democracy, the rule of law and good governance by sharing the unique moment in American history.

Patrick Collins, a political officer at the embassy said re-elected President Obama faces the critical challenge of addressing international policies in his remaining four years at the White House.

“The election was fair and democratic and the winner Obama needs to work on challenges previously pointed out by his rival Mitt Romney.

Ranahna Afriyem, an official with Africare, said she believes Obama’s commitment of uniting Americans was one of the reasons behind his re-election victory.

“Americans were convinced Obama had an ambition towards stabilising the American economy…this is what they voted for and this is what we also need to adopt in Africa,” she explained.

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