Ambassador marguerita Ragsdale speech on Hol-Hol Road inauguration.

(January 31, 2005)

Thank you. Welcome friends and distinguished guests.  I am pleased to be here today representing the President of the United States.

We are celebrating the reconstruction of Hol-Hol Road. It began as part of a promise by the United States to invest in those nations with the courage to stand strong against hatred, violence and fear. Today we see a concrete result of this promise -- A new road that will improve transportation, commerce and the quality of life for everyone living in Djibouti.

I thank the government of Djibouti and the people of Hol-Hol for your cooperation with us on many fronts. Projects such as Hol-Hol Road are taking place throughout Djibouti and remind us of the strong partnership that exists between the United States and Djibouti. The projects also remind us of what we can accomplish when we work together.

I thank also the men and women of the United States military and especially General Samuel Helland and the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. We are proud of your continuing efforts and of the great sacrifices you are making everyday in places far from home to improve the lives and futures of so many. I know that the people of Djibouti thank you and appreciate your work as well.

Let us then view the reconstruction of Hol Hol Road as providing not just a means for travel but an example of the continuing goodwill between our nations.

Thank you.