Envoy Assures on Cordial US, Africa Relations

From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos

THE fear of an unfavourable shift in the United States of Americas policy towards Africa by George Bushs administration have been allayed.

According to the new Counsellor in charge of Public Affairs in the US Embassy, Mr. Donald Bishop, the new administration was committed to maintaining the excellent relations between the US and Africa, especially Nigeria, under former President Bill Clinton.

Bishop, who spoke at a reception held in his honour in Jos recently by the American Studies Association of Nigeria (ASAN), was optimistic that the cordial relationship between the US and Nigeria would be improved upon rather than being impaired under the new dispensation.

He lauded the return of democracy to Nigeria after many years of military rule, pointing out that democracy had opened many opportunities for improved relations between Nigeria and other countries.

Bishop assured that the embassy would always co-operate with bodies like ASAN to give necessary assistance.

The president of ASAN, Prof. Samsudeen Amali of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Jos, had earlier expressed the hope that the change in government in the US would not affect the relationship between America and Africa.

He sought for the continued co-operation of the embassy with the association which comprises mostly Nigerians who studied in the United States.

(Guardian News Thursday,February 8, 2001 ).