SENATOR INHOFE'S LETTER TO CLINTON

INHOFE CALLS ON U.S. TO SUPPORT NEW ELECTIONS IN Côte D'IVOIRE
Contacts: Jared Young 202-224-5762
Liz Lathrop 202-224-1282

March 30, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amidst post-election fighting that threatens to evolve into a civil war in Côte d'Ivoire, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), yesterday called on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to chart a new U.S. position that demands new elections in Côte d'Ivoire to bring about peace. Inhofe, who has travelled extensively to the continent of Africa over the past fifteen years, including nine trips to Côte d'Ivoire, wrote for the second time to Clinton regarding this issue.

Through his letter to Clinton, Inhofe said, "I am aware that my position is different from that of the Obama Administration, which has recognized Alassane Ouattara as the winner. I ask, however, that you change your position in light of the evidence I have provided, and that you call for a new election. Such a change would not be viewed as inconsistent, but a wise reevaluation in light of new evidence presented. It is also consistent with our American dedication to the principle that democracy works best when it works for all and not for some. I am convinced that only through a new election will the people of Côte d'Ivoire end the increasing bloodshed, stop another civil war and ensure free and fair elections."