WASHINGTON (AP) - Former President Clinton will visit Africa next week to promote efforts to curtail the AIDS epidemic and encourage economic development.
Clinton leaves Sunday and will visit Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique and South Africa, his office said Friday. He returns Sept. 29 to the United States. [No rush, Bill, stay as long as you like] During his trip, Clinton will meet with Presidents John Kufuor of Ghana, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique. He also will endorse establishment of a legal property system that can create capital for the poor [we've always called that 'capitalism,' but I doubt that's what he's endorsing], tour AIDS prevention programs for youth and deliver a speech on the future of Africa.
Clinton also will pay a private visit to former South African President Nelson Mandela at Mandela's provincial home. The two former presidents serve as co-chairmen of the International AIDS Trust. In 1998, Clinton became the first U.S. president to tour Africa while in office. He visited the continent again in August 2000 and returned a third time in April 2001, after he left the White House.
"So, this is Harlem," Clinton was overheard saying, before an aide shushed him and reminded him that he had an office in the area. "I do? Why?" Clinton asked, as he was hurried into a waiting limousine.