Obama upbeat on Zanzibar, hails JK

            United States President Barack Obama

United States President Barack Obama yesterday applauded the success with which President Jakaya Kikwete oversaw the peaceful resolution of the drawn-out political stand-off in Zanzibar.

He said he was also impressed with the fact that the development had gone on to lead to political reconciliation, a referendum and the promise of a government of national unity in the Isles come October.

President Obama made the goodwill gesture through a special message delivered by the US Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt, at State House in Dar es Salaam.

“On behalf of the American people, I send this congratulatory message to you, President Kikwete, Zanzibar leaders and the people of Zanzibar and all Tanzanians for conducting a successful referendum geared at ensuring to the formation of a government of national unity (in the Isles),” said the US leader.

“I still remember our talks on your desire to sustain the peace accord and ensure the rule of law in Zanzibar when we met at the White House in the US in May last year” he noted.

He added: “It is encouraging that within such a short time since you assumed power, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission, members of non-governmental organisations, religious community and political parties have succeeded in translating into action the desire to make noticeable headway in efforts to bring about peace, as manifested in a referendum that has opened the door to the formation of a government of national unity.”