A statement from the US State Department says that Burns is expected in Ethiopia to attend the 18^th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 29 and 30.

The Deputy Secretary will also meet with Prime Minister Meles and other senior officials to emphasize the strategic importance of that country to countering violent extremism in the greater Horn of Africa region, as well as meet with several regional and international leaders on the margins of the AU summit.

Prior to the summit, the delegation will travel to Ghana, Uganda, and South Sudan.  In Ghana, Deputy Secretary Burns is scheduled to meet with President Mills to reinforce the U.S. commitment to building strong ties with one of Africa’s leading democracies.

The visit will highlight the United States’ continued commitment to presidential initiatives such as the Partnership for Growth and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.  Deputy Secretary Burns will also meet with alumni of U.S. exchange programs.

In South Sudan, the Deputy Secretary will meet with Vice President Machar and other senior officials to encourage expeditious resolution to outstanding post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues. Deputy Secretary Burns will also encourage the Government of South Sudan’s efforts to promote reconciliation and break the cycle of inter-ethnic violence.

In Uganda, Burns’ discussions with President Museveni and other members of Uganda’s civil society will highlight the strength of the bilateral partnership on a rage of issues, including regional security and on helping Uganda strengthen its commitment to good governance and respect for human rights.

He will also visit a medical clinic that is advancing integrated health service delivery, a key part of the U.S Global Health Initiative.

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Mark C. Toner

The US deputy spokesman for the State Department, Mark C. Toner says the US government is concerned about Monday’s arrest and charging of Forum for Democratic Change President, Dr. Kizza Besigye, Democratic party president, Norbert Mao and several top opposition politicians who were walking to their places of work.

The opposition politicians organized a walk to work protest against the rising cost of living in Uganda saying many people can no longer afford transport fares and basic needs including food. The police had warned the opposition against the walk to work protest, which Inspector general of Polcie Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura said was illegal and intended to destabilize Kampala city. The police went ahead and arrested over 20 politicians who ‘risked; walking to their places of work.

But the US government is warning that the Uganda government must respect the Opposition’s right to express its viewpoints and citizens’ rights to demonstrate peacefully and without fear of intimidation.

In a Statement on Tuesday, the US government said that “freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental human rights and a critical component of modern, functioning democracies.”

Ultimate Media

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