|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
 |
  |
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
Statement of Donald L. Pressley, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Europe and the New Independent States
August 11, 1999
All of us gathered here today know that the challenges facing us in Europe and the New Independent States (ENI) are both formidable and fluid. As the Assistant Administrator of USAID responsible for programs in this part of the world, I will apply my 25 years of international experience to ensure that these challenges are met with efficiency, creativity and accountability.
This is an uncertain time for this region. Ethnic conflict in the Balkans - in Bosnia as well as Kosovo - threatens to spread to neighboring countries. The financial crisis in Russia has affected the markets of the region. Yet, because an ENI region comprised of successful, market-oriented democracies, open political systems, and strong civil societies is so important to the United States, it follows that it is also in our best interest to help the countries of this region make that transition. This is USAID’s goal.
We have been working hard these past few years to implement this goal, and we have learned some important lessons - lessons that we will apply to our ongoing efforts in the region.
We have learned that economic reform cannot lead to sustained economic growth without corresponding political reform, and that a lack of basic social services threatens both.
We have learned that the key to modernization is not just better management and financial systems, but also sound, transparent legal and regulatory frameworks.
We have learned that independence and the allure of market-based prosperity cannot alone prevent war, civil strife, and corruption.
But most of all, we have learned that sustainable development is always a long-term endeavor, and that it cannot be achieved without the support of the people.
So these are the challenges we face. Now - what is our strategy? What can we look forward to in the years to come?
My overarching goal for our bureau will be to establish sustainable partnerships - both between people and organizations in the United States and the ENI countries as well as among the ENI countries themselves. The truth is we all have a lot to learn from one another, and the partnership model, by moving away from the traditional donor-recipient relationship, allows us to do so.
I will work to ensure that our assistance reaches citizens living outside Moscow, Tirana, Kiev, and other metropolitan areas. Our goal is to improve the lives of all people, not just those living in and around capitals and large cities.
I want to help respond to the many leaders of the countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia who have asked for American businesses to look their way and invest in their countries. I also want to continue to improve the way we do business, to learn from our experience, and to stretch the effectiveness of taxpayer dollars by leveraging private funds.
In fact, our bureau is hosting a "Lessons in Transition" conference in Warsaw this fall. We’ve invited many of the leaders and reformers we’ve worked with over the past ten years to join us to share experiences, to examine ways they can continue to work together, and to identify the priorities that continue to need the most attention as we look to the new century.
Fifty years after the implementation of the Marshall Plan, one of the most important challenges facing America is again the restoration of Europe - and, this time, Eurasia. I believe USAID and our bureau have the tools, the skills, and the experience necessary to help the countries of this region rise to this newest challenge. To the extent that we are welcome, we can and will play an important role in their efforts to join the global community of sustainable partners.
Thank you. I will now answer any questions you may have.
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
 |
|||
Last Updated on: July 12, 2001 |
