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Bush: Free Trade Promotes Democracy In Africa
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=DDE6FD:3919ACA

US president spoke after meeting with presidents of Botswana, Ghana,
Mozambique, Namibia and Niger





George W. Bush with, from left to right, Mozambique's President
Armando Guebuza, Ghana's President John Agyekum Kufuor, Botswana's
President Festus Mogae, Niger's President Mamadou Tandja, and
Namibia's President Hifikepunye PohambaPresident Bush says increased
U.S.-African trade is helping to promote democracy and opportunity
across the African continent.

Mr. Bush spoke in Washington Monday after meeting with the presidents
of Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia and Niger.

He praised the five men as democrats who have taken advantage of the
African Growth and Opportunity Act.

The 2000 law gives African nations greater access to the U.S. market
if they show respect for rule of law and human rights.

Mr. Bush said the five presidents are doing just that - and noted that
African exports to the United States rose 88 percent last year.

Mr. Bush also reiterated pledges to increase U.S. aid to Africa and
cancel $40 billion in debt to 18 of the world's poorest nations, most
of them in Africa.

 


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