Mme. Secretary released four independence day messages today. I only
post these when there is some added significance. We want and need
Pakistan and India to get along, and we need Pakistan to work together
with Afghanistan. We also want Korea and Japan to get along, but they
are having a tiff. Congo - their crisis is internal. Here are the messages in alphabetical order.
Republic of Congo's National Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 13, 2012
On
behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am
delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Republic of Congo as
you celebrate 52 years of independence this August 15.
Our two
countries have enjoyed a close friendship, working together on many
issues from improving transparency, to combating trafficking in persons,
promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing regional security.
I
want to send my deepest condolences to the Congolese people for the
explosions in Brazzaville in March this year that resulted in loss of
life and property and the displacement of thousands of citizens. We look
forward to the return of all internally displaced people to safe and
permanent homes. And we remain committed to supporting the Republic of
Congo in its efforts to make that a reality.
As you celebrate your
independence day, know that the United States stands with you as a
partner and friend. We look forward to working together to ensure peace
and prosperity for all people in the Republic of Congo.
On
behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am
delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Republic of India as
you celebrate your Independence Day this August 15.
Through my
many visits to India, I have been impressed with the creativity of the
Indian people, the richness of your culture, and the resilience and
strength of your democratic institutions. From the freedom movement led
by Mahatma Gandhi to independence in 1947 through today, India continues
to stand as a beacon for the world of the power of nonviolence and the
promise of democracy. The United States stands side by side with India
in a strategic, indispensable partnership built on our shared democratic
values and fundamental belief in the entrepreneurial spirit. Our
governments and our people will continue to work together to tackle the
challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century, laying the
foundation for continued peace and prosperity in Asia and around the
world.
As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and
loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and
friend.
Republic of Korea Independence Day
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 13, 2012
On
behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am
delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Republic of Korea as
you celebrate the anniversary of your independence this August 15.
The
United States and the Republic of Korea share a long history of
friendship and cooperation based on common values and interests. From
combating regional and global threats, to strengthening our economies,
to enhancing people-to-people ties between our two nations, we are
working together toward a better future for both our countries and the
world.
As you celebrate this important day with family, friends,
and loved ones, know that the United States stands with you as an ally
and friend. To Korean people all over the world: I wish you the very
best on this special day and in the year to come.
Pakistan Independence Day
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 13, 2012
On
behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am
delighted to send best wishes to the government and people of Pakistan
as you celebrate the anniversary of your independence this August 14.
Since 1947, Pakistan has persevered in the face of immense challenges to
build upon the democratic ideals of your country’s founders. Today, we
take time to honor your sacrifices and renew our support for a stable
and secure Pakistan for generations to come.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
dreamt of a vibrant, self-reliant Pakistan – a goal we all share. As
Muslims around the world reflect upon the meaning of community and
sacrifice during this holy month of Ramadan, the United States
celebrates the hardworking Pakistanis who strive to fulfill Jinnah’s
vision of a stable, secure, and prosperous Pakistan.
And
here is a picture just for the heck of it. This is from the evening
she arrived in Ghana. I never had a chance to post it, and I knew
people here would love it.

- U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is introduced to Lordina
Mahama, wife of Ghana President John Dramani Mahama, and their daughter,
in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. On Friday Clinton will
attend the funeral of Ghana's late President John Atta Mills. (AP
Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)