The United States of America was pleased with the security measures that have been put in place for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup. This was the word from the US ambassador to South Africa, Donald Gips who spoke exclusively to VOC's Drivetime on Monday afternoon. According to Gips, 120,000 tickets have been bought by American citizens, to watch the World Cup in South Africa. Gips said he was confident that the security measures put in place by the South African is adequate.
"Any event of this magnitude is going to have security concerns and we are working as closely as we can with the South African and various agencies to make sure that this cup is a success. I was talking to my colleague from Germany - the ambassador here - and he was saying that their Chief of Police was just visiting in South Africa and he said South Africa was as prepared as Germany was. I took that as a very positive sign," said Gips.
He explained that continued mindfulness about possible threats to the World Cup is the best way to combat any threat to the tournament. "For me the cup itself is exciting, but it also what South Africa does post the cup that will be its true legacy. Can we take advantage of the wonderful facilities that have been built here (South Africa) so that ongoing relationships can be built," said Gips.
Close eye
According to Gips, President Barack Obama keeps a close eye on issues in South Africa, as well as on the African continent. "With all the problems on his desk, I always wondered if he had time to focus on everything out there. I was talking to some of friends in the White House recently. One of your jobs as an ambassador is to write cables back to the White House where you describe what is actually happening in the country.
"I asked my friend who actually reads these cables. She responded by asking ‘do you know who your biggest reader is?' I said no. She said ‘Well, it is the President.' Everything that goes on in Africa and in South Africa is closely followed by the President and he is very passionate about these issues."
During the interview the ambassador also touched on President Barack Obama's speech to the Muslim community, which was delivered in Cairo last June. According to Gips, it was important for the US president to show the Muslim world that he appreciates the valuable contributions that they have made in building the United States. But, he added, that the speech delivered in Cairo alone cannot repair the relationship between the West and the East.
"It's going to take many actions not just this one to build a good relationship with Muslims. There are over 7 million Muslims in the United States and they are a vibrant part of our community. On average they are more highly educated and it is actually one of our fastest growing populations and a huge contributor to the fabric of our country. I think he felt very strongly he needed to tell this to the world and try and figure out other ways to bring people together," Gips explained.
The ambassador concluded that the drive by Obama to repair the relationship with the Muslim community is going very well. He said that the President took office at a time when the US was facing many challenges, both international and domestic. This meant that he (the president) had to prioritize which issues were the most important. VOC (Dorianne Arendse) |
