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Continuation of the Exclusive Interview with Ambassador
Toihiri (Union of the Comoros)
The Diplomatic Monitor: When do you envisage a decision being made?
H.E. Ambassador Toihiri: Well, France is a member of the Security Council so
it becomes very difficult.
The Diplomatic Monitor: The Union enjoys a very distinct status as member of
the African Union, the Organizations of Islamic countries; the Arab
League and the Indian Ocean Commission, how does that affect your foreign
policy and internal politics? For example, how have you used your
membership to influence decisions on the Middle East as a member of
the Arab League?
H.E. Ambassador Toihiri: Yes, we have great possibilities being a member of
all these countries. We can get help as members; sometimes we get
help, sometimes they forget us. In respect to the Middle East, we have no
relations with Israel, not because we are Muslim but we have been member
of the Arab League since 1993 so we are very young. We do not have a
history. The other countries are looking at us as a new country
and they are trying to help us. We don't have much influence.
Diplomatic Monitor: In respect of the African Union, where do you see
yourself within the African context, especially in respect to Muammar
Qaddafi's vision (for Africa)?
H.E. Ambassador Toihiri: If you are speaking about Muammar Qaddafi, we do
have an excellent relationship with him and do expect to be getting a
Libyan Ambassador stationed in our country with full diplomatic status.
We are being helped in building a university and infrastructure. We have
very good relations with Libya.
The Diplomatic Monitor: And where do you see Africa years from now?
Are you optimistic on the continent being an economic power?
H.E. Ambassador Toihiri: I can be optimistic but it will be hard. For
example, Zaire which is now the Congo. It is a very rich
country but because of outside interference things get complicated.
You cannot develop with outside interference.
The Diplomatic Monitor: Another problem Africa has had over the last several
decades is in fighting, dictatorships and political instability. How have
you been able to turn things around and maintain stability at home? You
have had your fair share of coups.
H.E. Ambassador: We have never had fighting. This is the
thing with Comoros. In the day we fight politically but in the night
we are at the same party. Yes, we have had coups but never major social
conflicts. We are very strong politically. Last year we had a vote that
decided that each island will be run by governors, not presidents. So we
have one president now who presides over the governors. Yes, you are
right, we have had coups but after this, we do come together.
The Diplomatic Monitor: What are your major economic problems and how does
your government plan to address them
H.E. Ambassador Toihiri:
We have huge problems, for example our rice
production is suffering with competition from Pakistan and other
countries. So we have decided to convene a Summit in Doha, Qatar
with some European and Arab countries. This will be taking place in
twenty or so days and hopefully there will be a decision to help us. We
need 700,000 million dollars and do believe with that assistance, we will
be on the right track.
The Diplomatic Monitor: What are some of Comoros' unique features you
believe that Westerners should know, and what worth do you give to
tourism as a viable sector to be developed?
H.E Ambassador Toihiri: Fifteen, twenty years ago, we had many tourists
coming from South Africa, but it was during Apartheid. They would come,
stay in the hotel but after one week they left. They never had contact
with the population of the country. After Apartheid, they do longer come.
You see the hotels were owned by South Africans. Now we are rebuilding
the hotels and beaches, and the environment, so we are hoping for
visitors from all over. I am very optimistic that with the massive
infusion of money we would be alright.
The Diplomatic Monitor: Again, on behalf of our readers, allow me to thank
you again for this opportunity
H.E. Ambassador Toihiri: Thank you so much.
Filed by Glenville Ashby at
866 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY.
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