African Growth and Opportunity Act

If you refuse to be made straight when you are green, you will not be made straight when you are dry. African Proverb

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 22, 2004

Statement on the African Growth and Opportunity Act

A central component of this Administration's broad commitment to trade liberalization has been to advance hope, opportunity, and prosperity in both developed and developing countries by reducing barriers to trade and investment. In this regard, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a key pillar of the Administration's policy to spur economic development, alleviate poverty, and encourage trade in sub-Saharan Africa.

On December 21, President Bush determined that the following 36 countries continue to be eligible for economic and trade benefits under AGOA: Angola; Benin; Botswana; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Chad; Republic of the Congo; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Djibouti; Ethiopia; Gabon; The Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; So Tome and Principe; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania; Uganda; and Zambia. Burkina Faso was designated as eligible for economic and trade benefits under AGOA on December 10, 2004. The President has removed Cote d'Ivoire from the list of eligible countries.

As required by legislation, this annual determination allows for the provision of certain benefits to those countries that are making continued progress toward a market-based economy, the rule of law, free trade, economic policies that will reduce poverty, and protection of workers' rights. By providing these countries greater access to American markets, AGOA can continue to spur development by fostering new trade and economic opportunities and promoting shared values and shared responsibilities. # # #

Mosul, Iraq Dining Facility

22 Killed, 72 Wounded During Attack on Dining Facility

MNFI	Mosul, Iraq -- Twenty-two people were killed and 72 others wounded following an explosion in a dining facility at Forward Operating Base Marez in southwest Mosul on Dec. 21.

Of the 22 people killed, 14 were U.S. military personnel and the remainder four U.S. civilians and four Iraqi Security Forces. Of the 72 wounded, 51 were U.S. Military personnel and the remainder U.S., other country civilians and ISF. Twenty-nine people have been released from the hospital.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

The names of the Soldiers and civilians killed are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Task Force Olympia’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost loved ones in yesterday’s tragic attack.

Release #0412022d