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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
November 6, 1998

Presidential Special Envoy Reverend Jesse Jackson will visit Nigeria, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, November 9-14. Rev. Jackson will meet with heads of state, government ministers, and civil society groups. His first stop in Nigeria will highlight the bold steps the Government of Nigeria has taken on a transition to civilian democratic rule, and emphasize the key role that Nigeria can play within the region and throughout Africa. In this regard, Rev. Jackson will emphasize the importance of civil society to a successful democratic transition and in fostering national reconciliation.

In Guinea, Rev. Jackson hopes to facilitate a meeting among Presidents Kabbah of Sierra Leone, Taylor of Liberia, and Conte of Guinea--the Presidents of the West African Mano River States--to discuss mutual security issues and stability in the sub-region. In Sierra Leone, Rev. Jackson will demonstrate United States Government support for the Government and the people of Sierra Leone. And in Ghana, Rev. Jackson's meetings with President Rawlings and representatives of civil society will focus on democratization and peacekeeping issues.

Throughout his travel in West Africa, Rev. Jackson will underscore that stability and greater economic prosperity are contingent upon the cooperation of the region's leaders.

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