International House of Philadelphia: Lunchon Presentation
Remarks by Ambassador Said T. Jawad
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
11/16/2004
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are honored to be here with you today.
Please allow me to take this opportunity to express
my gratitude to every one of you for participating in this wonderful
event today.
I would like to thank Mr. Oliver Franklin, Elizabeth
Lowe and the International House of Philadelphia for inviting
me and my wife, Shamim, to participate in this Ambassador’s
Forum which will further enhance the culture and economic ties
between Afghanistan and Philadelphia. I also thank Carelift
International for its dedication to help improve health care
in Afghanistan. I am grateful to the sponsors of tonight’s
program, Independence Blue Cross, Med Assets, and Cozen and
O’Conner.
This is my second trip to your beautiful city
this year. On July 4th, I came to Philadelphia accompanying
President Karzai, when he received the 2004 Liberty Medal. Here
in Philadelphia, over two centuries ago a group of visionary
Americans met in a constitutional convention that was one of
the turning points in human history. Their vision was to preserve
liberty and prevent tyranny in America.
In Afghanistan, President Karzai and the people
of Afghanistan are now going through a similar experience, working
to ensure that Afghanistan is a constitutional state. As the
founding fathers of America needed the support of their allies,
we need the assistance of the international community to safeguard
our people’s rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness.
Six month ago, on July 4th, Philadelphia honored
President Karzai for his courage, vision and faith in the pursuit
of liberty, peace and democracy. Two weeks ago, the people of
Afghanistan elected President Karzai by overwhelming majority
as our next President. In an election that 86% of the eligible
voters participated, and 41% were women.
Afghanistan’s first presidential election
was an historic achievement with phenomenal scenes that Afghans
will cherish for years to come. When 8.4 million Muslims, Afghan
men and women, proudly and patiently lined up to vote, they
not only demonstrated their courage, competence, and commitment
to democracy, but also sent a strong message to terrorists and
extremists.
The election proved that the partnership of the
international community with Afghanistan yielded significant
results for democracy and global security. The success of election
is a shared achievement by Afghans, the United States and over
45 countries contributing troops, funds and resources to help
stabilize and rebuild our country. We are grateful to every
one of them.
Success in Afghanistan is helping the world become
a safer place. Afghanistan’s transition and successful
advance on the path to democracy and state-building will impact
the expectations and the aspirations of the people all over
the world. Every vote cast in Afghanistan was a vote against
terror and in favor of democracy and global security.
Thank you.
