Statement by the President on Cote d'Ivoire

The United States welcomes the decisive turn of events in Cote d’Ivoire, as former President Laurent Gbagbo’s illegitimate claim to power has finally come to an end. This represents a victory for the democratic will of the Ivoirian people, who have suffered for far too long through the instability that followed their election. Today, the people of Cote d'Ivoire have the chance to begin to reclaim their country, solidify their democracy, and rebuild a vibrant economy that taps the extraordinary potential of the Ivoirian people.

In the four months that have passed since Alassane Ouattara was elected President, the United States and international community have strongly supported the results of Cote d’Ivoire’s democratic election, and the right of the Ivoirian people to determine their own destiny.  These results came after several years of support by the international community for Cote d’Ivoire’s peace and democratic processes.  The United Nations Security Council, members of the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have all worked to advance the goal of a democratic Cote d’Ivoire in which the rule of the people is stronger than the rule of one man.  The United States commends the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire and French forces for the actions that they have taken to protect civilians.

For President Ouattara and the people of Cote d'Ivoire, the hard work of reconciliation and rebuilding must begin now.  President Ouattara will need to govern on behalf of all the people of Cote d'Ivoire, including those who did not vote for him.  All militia groups should lay down their weapons and recognize an inclusive military that protects all citizens under the authority of President Ouattara.  The victims and survivors of violence deserve accountability for the violence and crimes that have been committed against them.  The international community must continue to support the people of Cote d’Ivoire as they turn the page to a more hopeful and democratic future.  In that effort, a democratic Cote d'Ivoire that respects the rights of its people will always have a friend in the United States of America.

President Obama to Welcome Amir of Qatar to the White House

President Obama will welcome to the White House the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, on Thursday, April 14, 2011.  Qatar is an important partner of the United States, and the President looks forward to discussing a range of issues with the Amir, including the recent developments in the Middle East and Qatar's leadership in the international effort to protect Libyan civilians.

Weekly Address: "Reducing Spending While Still Investing in the Future is Just Common Sense"

WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Obama praised the agreement reached to avert a government shutdown, which will invest in the country’s future while making the largest annual spending cut in history.  Just as both parties were able to find common ground on the tax cuts the President signed into law a few months ago, they worked through their differences on this budget. Politicians in Washington have the responsibility to continue to come together as they face the many difficult challenges that lie ahead – from creating jobs and growing our economy to educating our children and reducing our long-term deficits. 

The audio of the address is and video of the address will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, April 9, 2011.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Washington, DC

Last night, after weeks of long and difficult negotiations over our national budget, leaders of both parties came together to avert a government shutdown, cut spending, and invest in our future.  

This is good news for the American people.  It means that small businesses can get the loans they need, our families can get the mortgages they applied for, folks can visit our national parks and museums, and hundreds of thousands of Americans will get their paychecks on time – including our brave men and women in uniform. 

This is an agreement to invest in our country’s future while making the largest annual spending cut in our history.   Like any compromise, this required everyone to give ground on issues that were important to them.  I certainly did.  Some of the cuts we agreed to will be painful – programs people rely on will be cut back; needed infrastructure projects will be delayed.  And I would not have made these cuts in better circumstances.  But we also prevented this important debate from being overtaken by politics and unrelated disagreements on social issues.  And beginning to live within our means is the only way to protect the investments that will help America compete for new jobs – investments in our kids’ education and student loans; in clean energy and life-saving medical research. 

Reducing spending while still investing in the future is just common sense.  That’s what families do in tough times.  They sacrifice where they can, even if it’s hard, to afford what’s really important. 

A few months ago, I was able to sign a tax cut for American families because both parties worked through their differences and found common ground.  Now, the same cooperation has made it possible for us to move forward with the biggest annual spending cut in history.  And it’s my sincere hope that we can continue to come together as we face the many difficult challenges that lie ahead – from creating jobs and growing our economy to educating our children and reducing our long-term deficits. 

That’s our responsibility. That’s what the American people expect us to do.  And it’s what the American people deserve.