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Bush signs MCC pact, warns
2008-02-18 09:14:43
By Guardian Reporter
US President George W. Bush, on his second day of tour in Tanzania, yesterday signed with President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete a nearly USD 700 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact.
The money will be given through targeted infrastructure investments in transport, energy and water sectors. It will therefore be used to rehabilitate Tanzania’s trunk road network.
The ceremony took place at the State House in Dar es Salaam. However, President Bush bluntly warned that his government wanted to deal only with honest partners.
``We don’t want to give money to people who steal people’s money,`` Bush said.
Earlier, President Bush and his entourage drove into the State House through the Eastern Gate—a rare feature because heads of state are normally driven into Ikulu through the main gate.
Amid tight security mounted by both Tanzanian and American intelligence organs, with American snipers posted on high balconies, President Bush was warmly received by tens of dancers who danced to the tunes of ceremonial drums and had been allowed into the State House gardens.
President Bush thereafter had a tete a tete with President Kikwete.
The two presidents then officiated an open air MCC compact signing ceremony, which was followed by a joint press conference.
In his brief remarks, an elated President Bush made his greeting in Kiswahili by saying ``Vipi Mambo?`` ``For the uneducated, that`s Swahili for `Howdy Y`all`,`` he said, referring to a typical Texas greeting.
``It was very moving for those of us racing through the streets of Dar es Salaam seeing thousands of people greeting us,`` Bush said. He described President Kikwete as a strong leader.
He also praised Kikwete for fighting corruption and investing in education.
Hardly a week ago, President Kikwete dissolved the cabinet following the resignation of ex-Premier Edward Lowassa and two other cabinet ministers, who had been implicated in a big financial scandal that was unearthed by a damning parliamentary probe team report.
President Kikwete subsequently appointed Mizengo Pinda as the country`s new Prime Minister.
He vowed to implement all recommendations made by the House Select Committee on the Richmond scandal.
``I was proud to sign along with the President the MCC compact of nearly USD 700 million that will be used for upgrading road networks, energy and water sectors. My hope is that it will be part of efforts to transform this country.``
Referring to his Africa pet projects, namely the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids and President`s Malaria Initiative, Bush said: ``I don`t want people to guess whether or not the generosity of America will continue.
Children should not die needlessly because of mosquito bites. We support Africa not out of guilt but out of compassion.``
Answering a question, President Bush said he would help but not dictate to Kenyan warring parties on finding a solution to their country`s political crisis.
For his part, President Jakaya Kikwete said: ``Today we have signed the MCC compact, the largest ever. It will help us address critical areas of our infrastructural needs. We shall be able to give the infrastructural sector the priority it deserves.``
Kikwete told President Bush: ``Different people might have different views on your legacy. For us, we see you as a good friend. You will be remembered for the good things you have done for Tanzania and Africa.``
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