Independence Day Reception
July 2, 2009 - U.S. Embassy Tunis
Chers invités,
Merci à tous d’être venus pour cette célébration. D’abord, je voudrais remercier tous ceux qui ont travaillé longtemps et dur pour organiser cette réception, et aussi nos généreux donateurs qui apparaissent sur le programme. Et un grand merci aussi au remarquable Zine Haddad, Nora Dempsey et Andrea Saddem, à notre formidable groupe musicale The Navigators et au corps des Marines pour la levée des drapeaux. La cérémonie et les hymnes étaient magnifiques. Je vous invite à applaudir tous ceux qui ont contribué au succès de cette fête. J’ai quelques brèves remarques à faire. Je vais parler en anglais mais vous trouverez mon discours dans le programme, en arabe, en français ainsi qu’en anglais.
In 1776, 56 courageous men declared themselves, and the 13 colonies they represented, free. In a revolutionary document, our Declaration of Independence, they created the United States of America. The new nation was founded on the truth that all of us are created equal; all of us have a right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”; and all of us have a right to a say in how we are governed.
In the 233 years since the Declaration, Americans have worked, strived and fought to defend these principles and to extend them to all our citizens. As we did so, we built a great nation. Today, we honor America’s Declaration of Independence and our Founding Fathers. But we also honor all those in every corner of the world who believe in and who defend the principles of the Declaration, the principles of freedom, for they are not just American principles. They inspire and belong to people everywhere.
For the past three years, it has been my honor to represent my country to another great nation, the Republic of Tunisia. The ties that unite our two countries stretch over 200 years from the first “Treaty of Peace and Friendship” with the Bey of Tunis to our common search today for peace in the Middle East. Across time, the bonds of friendship between our two peoples have grown and flourished.
In recent years, as President Barack Obama said in his address in Cairo, there has been much tension between the United States and the wider Arab and Islamic world. There have been differences and misunderstandings. But, far more unites us, than divides us. So now, together, we face a challenge. We must work to increase understanding. We must work to build bridges. We must work to find common ground in the values that we share. Today, as President Obama said we must seek “a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect…” That mutual respect already exists between Tunisians and Americans. But there remain challenges we must face, together as friends.
For today, the problems of the world require shared purpose and coordinated action by all nations. Whether it is the fight against extremism, the menace of a pandemic, the challenge of an economic crisis, or the threat of global warming, the problems of today touch us all, obligate us all. We need united, sustained, wise action to forge a better future.
The United States will do its part. In his speech, President Obama made clear the American commitment to work with Arab and Islamic countries, including Tunisia, on our common challenges. Success will not be easy. But we can succeed, if we embrace our common humanity, work together and share our progress.
Lori and I are at the end of our time in Tunisia. We are grateful for the warm welcome we received from Tunisians in all walks of life and in every corner of this country. I would like thank his Excellency, President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and the government and people of Tunisia for their friendship and for our strong relations. Together, our governments, our nations, our peoples can accomplish much.
As Lori and I have gotten to know Tunisia over the past three years, we have been impressed. Impressed by Tunisia’s respect for women’s rights, religious tolerance, and growing prosperity. But most of all we have been impressed by the Tunisian people. You are a great people, a great nation. We share much, including the values we celebrate here today. While challenges for Tunisia remain, as they do for the United States and all nations, I know your progress will continue. As Lori and I leave, our hearts and our hopes are with you. We will never forget you. And we will continue to do all we can to build bridges between our countries.
Thank you very much for joining us to celebrate the 233rd birthday of the United States of America.
Merci beaucoup…
Choukran jazeelan…