Ambassador
Ambassador's Speech
AMBASSADOR EARL ANTHONY WAYNE´S REMARKS ON OCCASION OF HIS FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR JOURNALISTS
May 27, 2009
Welcome, and thank you all for being here on the occasion of my departure from Argentina.
As you know, after almost three years as ambassador to this beautiful country, the time has come for the normal rotation of Ambassadors and, in my case, assuming some new functions. I will continue my career in the U.S. Foreign Service in one of the priority regions for the foreign policy of my President and my country, serving as Coordinating Director of Development and Economic Affairs at our mission in Afghanistan. I will be in charge of coordinating the United States’ non-military assistance programs. In this capacity, I have committed to provide my utmost efforts to achieve the goals of President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton in this sensitive region.
As I face this challenge, I appreciate deeply my years in Argentina, when I have enjoyed the warmth, talent and creativity of the Argentine people, and worked with my colleagues in the Embassy to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.
One lesson I have learned here is that Argentines, like Americans, like to talk about their values. I have tried to share as much as possible about my country’s values, in both words and deeds while showing full respect for the rich traditions of Argentina. It is no secret that my most satisfying work has been supporting Argentines who are working for the advancement of the disadvantaged in their country. And during my time here we have been diligent in informing you about steps we have taken to advance bilateral relations whether it be in the fight against drugs or in providing more scholarships for young people to study English.
Last week, President Obama delivered a wonderful speech about the values and ideals of American society. He talked about enlisting the power of our most fundamental values – as engraved in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights – the foundation of liberty and the balance of powers in our country. President Obama made clear that our values are not simply a matter of idealism to cherish, but a practical guide for democracy, since doing what is right strengthens our country. Putting our values into practice protects the ideals that generations of Americans have fought for, some in the fields, others in the courts, and still others on the printed page.
One critical value in my country is our appreciation for free and responsible media. This Embassy’s relationship with the media has been one of my highest priorities.
Just as the media in a healthy democracy require government respect for freedom of speech, the public depends on the media to exercise that freedom in a balanced, responsible manner -- upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, maintaining its independence, operating transparently, aggressively ferreting out the good and the bad and exposing wrongdoing in all of its forms. And there is much to be said for striving for balance -- trying to portray both sides of the story as fairly and objectively as possible so the citizen can judge. In turn, governments must honor and respect the loyal watchdog role of the journalists in a democracy. The public's right to be well informed depends upon it. Democracy functions best when the public is well informed.
When I came to Argentina, I was able to tell you I had worked as a journalist; that I have been in your shoes. And I invited you to put yourselves in mine, to look at the United States through fresh perspectives and to open yourselves to the values we all know our two countries share.
We pulled together a hard-working team in our Press Office under the tireless, round-the-clock leadership of our press attaché, Mara Tekach, to promote transparency and accuracy. Mara, as many of you know, will leave this July to the press spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. Mara is leaving Argentina for two reasons: first, because she’s the right woman for a very important job, and second, because I’m leaving Argentina, too. Otherwise, I would never permit her to leave this post! She is one of the very best we have in our diplomatic service and as most of you know, a wonderful individual.
As Mara and I worked with our other Embassy colleagues and you, our colleagues in the press, the U.S. experience with the First Amendment to our Constitution was our inspiration. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Let the people know the facts, and the country will be safe." John Kennedy also saw a secure democracy in freedom of the press, when he urged “We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms.” When reporting misrepresented the facts, we engaged with you in a constructive and positive way. And I believe we achieved a healthy and invaluable relationship with the media in Argentina.
My personal relationship with journalists and the media in Argentina has been enriching. Many ofyou have been my teachers and often a key source of insight on this fascinating country, and you are our prime intermediary with the Argentine public. What we gained from you allowed the Embassy to fulfill our diplomatic function: to solve problems, help to build mutual understanding, and discover opportunities for cooperation between our two countries. In sum, the interaction between all of you and us at the Embassy has contributed importantly to strengthening the bilateral relationship. I am so grateful for your contribution.
I’m pleased to observe that the relationship between the United States and Argentina is at a good point. We have established an important, solid foundation. I believe the relationship is poised to grow stronger, as cooperation deepens and as work to pursue a common agenda internationally, as our leaders did in the Summit of the Americas and the G-20 Summit.
As we work to restore robust growth in the economy, , to address energy, security, climate change challenges, to eliminate poverty and to enhance the security of our citizens, there is much that Argentina and the u.S. can do in partnership.
I would like to emphasize the enormous pleasure I had in working with you during these years. My experience with the Argentine media has been a unique and unforgettable part of my diplomatic career. You have a tremendously important role to play in Argentina’s democracy.
I say good-bye to Argentina, carrying memories of the great creativity and kindness of your people; the beauty and richness of your landscape; and of the good progress we made to further improve the close ties of friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples and between our governments.
Now, I invite you to join me in this toast, as Mara and I bid farewell to you, the professionals we have greatly appreciated and admired during our time in Buenos Aires.
