President Paul Biya officially inaugurated the infrastructure yesterday.

The new facility at the Ntougou neighbourhood on the foot of Mt. Febe yesterday received the blessing of President Paul Biya and US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Dr. Jendayi E. Frazer. The infrastructure which went into use recently cost a whooping 54 million dollars, (about CFA 27 billion). Addressing dignitaries at the occasion, Dr. Frazer reassured them that "an embassy like this in Yaounde shows that we are here to stay". In Ambassador Niels Marquardt’s words, "we are your friends and we plan to be here forever." The embassy building is not only imposing but its official opening marks the dawn of a new era in Cameroon-US relations. The central place of Cameroon in the diplomatic mission of the US on the African continent was also underscored by the visiting Assistant Secretary. In a rather brief albeit important speech, President Paul Biya said he was speaking in his dual capacity as the Head of State and neighbour to the embassy. He dwelled on the exemplary values of relations between the US and Cameroon, pointing out that both countries share in democratic principles. He also lauded the US for contributing to the embellishment of Yaounde. US embassy officials are happy with the change, moving from their former downtown offices. Some couple of years ago, the former structure became unconvenient for security reasons. When security measures were stepped up, movement within the area became difficult. Ambassador Marquardt alluded to this period with relief that it was all over. Cameroonians, they say will be better served in the new facility which has a multipurpose room for reading, research, seminars, discussions, and other events, as well as an information resource centre apart from sections fro visas and other consular services. To crown the event, President Paul Biya, Dr. Frazer and the US Ambassador unveiled the commemorative plaque of the building situated on the left wall of the main entrance into the embassy. Another event of similar magnitude was the naming of the 326-metre long avenue that runs through the neighbourhood, offering the main access into the infrastructure. Following the approval of the Yaounde Urban Council, the street was named Ave. Rosa Parks after the great American lady who refusal to leave her bus seat to a white sparked the civil rights movement that eventually transformed America. Along the fence of the infrastructure, another plaque was unveiled at about 10: 50 marking the end of festivities. Georgewill FOMBE President Biya’s inauguration speech "Madam Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Ambassador, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is great pleasure for me to be present at the inauguration ceremony of the new Embassy of the United States in Yaounde. Permit me to see in this event the expression of the long-lasting nature and the solidity of the relations between our two countries. The common values on which they are founded — valued of democracy and progress — are to me of exemplary character. To most Cameroonians, the United States is a country of liberty and individual success. That is why, to them, there is a continuous admiration for the famous "American dream". This architectural jewel, which has come to embellish the town-planning structure of our capital, will henceforth be the visible and permanent embodiment thereof. It will also be the symbol of lasting friendship and cooperation that will be of mutual benefit to us. Long live the friendship between the United States and Cameroon!" Dr Jendayi E. Frazer: "Cameroon Must Preserve Its Stability " The American Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Dr Jendayi E. Frazer granted a press conference before the inauguration. How significant is your visit to Cameroon ? It is indeed an honour to be part of a new embassy opening. I believe that this opening reflects the importance of US-Cameroon relations. My visit here also reflects the importance of Cameroon’s role in Central Africa. Cameroon is a country that has been stable for many years, has a strong economy, plays a great role in peacekeeping throughout the continent and beyond as well as the role it played at the UN Security Council a couple of years back. So, Cameroon’s leadership role in Africa and globally is very much appreciated by the United States and President Bush. That is why he asked me to come here. How do you assess press freedom and respect of human rights in Cameroon? I am a defender of the freedom of the press and I think that a free press is important for democratic progress. It is important in ensuring that citizens have an understanding of the affairs of government, the affairs of the State and the affairs of their country as a whole. It is the cornerstone of President Bush’s administration to promote democracy globally. In Cameroon, it is my understanding that there are many private radio stations which are seeking licences from the government and many newspapers are operating. In general, there is press freedom here in Cameroon. As far as the protection and promotion of human rights is concerned, Cameroon is generally doing quite well. What justifies the particular interest of the USA in Cameroon? The United States has a great interest in the Central Africa and Cameroon because it is a country that has been doing extremely well. This has been in terms of a country with political stability. It is a country that is on the path of progress and we appreciate that. President Bush’s for Africa is the promotion of democracy, peace and prosperity. We have a mutual interest in all these areas. Presidents Bush and Biya actually have met more than once and have had the opportunity to discuss about the Central African sub-region and we see Cameroon’s leadership in this sub-region. My visit here reflects that continuing interest just as President Biya’s visit to the United States. What future for relations between Cameroon and the USA? We will continue to build our relations with Cameroon. We will continue to have high level visits. I am looking forward to receive your Foreign Minister in the United States. We will continue to have discussions about how we can cooperate together on strengthening democracy in Cameroon and the possibility of economic growth. We are looking forward to boosting the private sector, private investment into the economy . The United States Embassy will be here in Cameroon over a long term looking forward to work in partnership with the people of Cameroon and the government to try to make sure that Cameroon continues to be the source of stability for Central Africa as a whole. Why "Avenue Rosa Parks"? Rosa Parks had a fundamental impact on the American democracy. She was a lively woman and a sort of person who stood up for human dignity. In doing so, she changed the course of the American history. It will be a special place for Americans and I hope for Cameroonians as well. What do think are the lessons in the recent Liberian presidential elections to Cameroon? The fact that the US Secretary of State attended the swearing in of the new president reflects how important women’s empowerment is for the future of Africa, how important women’s leadership is. It also reflects the commitment that America has to ending the type of crisis and wars that we found in Liberia. Two lessons; one is investing your goals in women because they are going to be the strong future leaders of your society. Any political leader either female or male should make sure that they are appealing to the female voters as well. The second lesson for Cameroon is what a waste of time for all those years of war in Liberia. All those years did not have a change for education and the destruction of infrastructure in Liberia for what purpose. I think the great lesson for Cameroon is that your own is a great task of stability. Stick to it. The lessons for the political leadership in Cameroon is allow for a great participation of all elements of the society. The last thing is for anyone to feel that he can be given power legitimately in election. The opposition should consider taking very legal action in getting themselves into power. It is the responsibility of the ruling government and the political opposition to contest for elections peacefully. Georgewill FOMBE & Nicolas AMAYENA