    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [February 26, 2002]
    [Pages 293-294]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement Following a Meeting With Southern African Leaders
    February 26, 2002

        Today I met with three Presidents who can help bring peace and
    prosperity to southern Africa. Presidents dos Santos of Angola, Chissano of Mozambique, and Mogae of Botswana and I discussed our common interests
    in working with each other and through the Southern African Development
    Community to bring greater peace, prosperity, and stability to the
    region.
        I reiterated that expanding trade is the surest path to sustainable
    development. I commended the
    three Presidents' leadership in developing a regional strategy to

    [[Page 294]]

    combat HIV/AIDS and promote economic integration. As part of that
    effort, I asked the Presidents to join my call for the World Bank to
    begin providing 50 percent of its assistance to the world's poorest
    nations in the form of grants rather than loans.
        The three Presidents also
    discussed the tragic wars in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the
    Congo. We agreed that peace is within reach of both countries. I urged
    President dos Santos to move quickly toward achieving a cease-fire in
    Angola. And we agreed that all parties have an obligation to seize this
    moment to end the war and develop Angola's vast wealth to the benefit of
    the Angolan people. President dos Santos has it within his power to end
    26 years of fighting by reaching out to all Angolans willing to lay down
    their arms. Angolans deserve no less.
        Finally, I commend the work of former President Masire, President Mbeki, and other
    SADC leaders--including Presidents dos Santos, Chissano,
    and Mogae--on the Inter-Congolese
    Dialogue in South Africa. I remain committed to working with the leaders
    of southern Africa to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

    Note: The statement referred to former President Quett K.J. Masire of
    Botswana and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa.