Clinton announces African radio service

Masire (L) and Clinton

March 29, 1998
Web posted at: 8:14 p.m. EST (0114 GMT)

GABORONE, Botswana (CNN) -- Beginning the second week of his sojourn to Africa in Botswana, U.S. President Bill Clinton Sunday announced the establishment of a U.S.-run radio service aimed at promoting democracy on the continent.

The service is "aimed directly at encouraging progress toward freedom and democracy, respect for human rights and an independent and objective media," Clinton said.

The president spoke at a reception following a meeting with Botswana's outgoing president, Ketumile Masire, who steps down in two days as head of the country regarded by the United States as Africa's longest-lived democracy. Botswana became independent in 1966.

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Clinton visited Botswana's capital on his way to a two-day safari break in the north of the country, as part of a 12-day, six-nation trip to Africa.

Service similar to Voice of America

The White House said the radio service, expected to begin broadcasting in some countries in May, will be a version of the Voice of America radio service and will be broadcast in 19 countries in nine European and African languages.

"State-run media are the norm in much of Africa; accompanying such media are often biases and positions of the prevailing political party or in some cases, repressive regimes," the White House said in a statement.

It said the service will broadcast 22 1/2 hours of programs weekly, focusing on statements by politicians and political leaders of various orientations. "Because of the repressive media climate in some countries, reporters will now be able to cover such stories without fear of reprisal," the statement said.

It will also provide information about relief efforts and elections and train journalists. The service will be funded from existing the Voice of America budgets.

Clinton to go on photo safari

The Clintons arrive Sunday at Botswana's Gaborone airport

Clinton, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and their entourage were welcomed at Gaborone's airport by Masire. While in Botswana, Clinton will take a safari through a park that has 45,000 elephants.

The White House described the president's adventure as a "photo safari," with no plans for hunting any of the Chobe National Park's elephants, hippos, crocodiles, baboons, impalas or birds.

Botswana is a relatively prosperous but sparsely populated nation known for its stability.

Masire, 73, has been in power for 18 years and is credited with maintaining stability and guiding growth and development in the former British protectorate. In three decades, Botswana has moved from being one of the 10 poorest nations to being among the world's upper half in wealth.

A land of 1.5 million people, Botswana is surrounded by formerly white-ruled South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Botswana steered an independent course under black leadership that took over in 1966. Peaceful transitions of power have occurred since then, with elections held every five years.

On Friday, Masire called the nation's people its greatest asset. "We are lucky that we have a people who are worth more than all the diamonds we found in the Kalahari," he said. The Kalahari desert covers much of the country.

Clinton attends church in Soweto

The Clintons worship Sunday morning at a church in Soweto

Before flying to Botswana from South Africa, Clinton attended church in Soweto Sunday. He urged South Africans to keep faith as their nation heals from the scars of apartheid.

"It takes a long time to run a marathon," Clinton said, adding that the United States will "run that race with you."

The organist played "America the Beautiful" and the crowd of worshippers cheered as Clinton and his group arrived.

"For you to come here, you bring us joy and happiness and peace," a church leader told Clinton and his party.

On Saturday, Clinton honored South Africans, "who answered the call of conscience" and defeated their country's system of white supremacy.

Throughout the trip, Clinton has been stressing the U.S. stake in Africa, pledging to push for more aid and debt relief as well as investment.

"This is not charity. This is enlightened self-interest," Clinton said in Soweto, adding that aid and trade go hand in hand.

American businesses are getting an average return of 30 percent on investments in Africa, the president said. "This is a good deal, folks."

Clinton said he would urge the U.S. Congress to restore African aid to its historic high level -- $830 million a year. Currently it is $700 million, and Clinton has requested a $30 million increase this year.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Special section:

• A Bridge to Africa - Clinton's visit to Africa

Related stories:

• Mandela rejects U.S.-Africa trade bill - March 29, 1998
• Some natives flee, some return to rebuild S. Africa - March 28, 1998
• Clinton, Mandela agree to disagree - March 27, 1998
• Clinton, Mandela chart new relationship - March 27, 1998
• African leaders endorse Clinton pact on human rights, trade - March 25, 1998
• Clinton offers Africa aid for schools - March 24, 1998

Related sites:

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• Government of South Africa - official site
• Parliament of South Africa
• African National Congress
• Embassy of South Africa in Washington D.C.
• U.S. State Department - Bureau of African Affairs
• Main Street South Africa
• Mail & Guardian - South African newspaper

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