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Bush: Darfur, Zimbabwe on list of African challenges
Agence France Presse
February 05, 2008

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gixQe09qNw3diLfQpjEB7Q4WeJAg

Washington - US President George W. Bush congratulated the African Union's new leaders Tuesday but warned they faced "difficult challenges" on ending violence in DUarfur and Kenya and promoting democracy in Zimbabwe.

In a statement released by the White House, Bush hailed the elections of Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete to the rotating presidency of the 53-state union and Gabonese Foreign Minister Jean Ping to head the AU commission.

"I am confident that the African Union -- and the people of Africa -- will be well-served by the leadership and vision President Kikwete and Minister Ping will bring to these important posts," said Bush.

Bush, who sets off February 15 on a week-long trip to Africa, cited "important progress" there on economic growth, democratic reforms, and efforts to battle HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other illnesses.

"Difficult challenges remain, including ending genocide in Darfur, restoring peace and stability to Kenya, and bringing freedom to the Zimbabwean people," said Bush, who will stop in Tanzania on his five-country trip.

"The United States looks forward to working closely with President Kikwete, Minister Ping, and the African Union to address these challenges and to build on recent achievements to secure a better future for all Africans," said Bush.

The US president and First Lady Laura Bush will travel to Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia on the February 15-21 trip -- likely his last visit to Africa before leaving office in January 2009.

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