Editor,

I have just finished reading President Paul Kagame’s interview that appeared in The New Times last week and I am very impressed by how he articulated his points.  His answers were clear and to the point. He responded with his usual dignity and he never wavered in his defence of Rwanda and her people.

President Kagame has taken a huge step in reconciling with France. I have to admit that I was quite concerned when Rwanda and France began this reconciliation process.  I wondered how Rwanda could even think that this would be possible given the history of France’s role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

This shows yet again how special Rwanda is and that the country has a leader who will do whatever it takes to improve the lives of his people.  The one issue that really stands out for me is the absence of France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alain Juppe.

In my opinion, he is acting like a spoiled child who refuses to "play the game” because he does not want to play with one particular child!  On the other hand it also shows that he is avoiding the one person that he should have the courage to meet face to face.

If Mr. Juppe wants to have such a prestigious position then he should be available for these meetings even if he does not like the participants. 

As a representative of your country, you must be available or you should step down.  Diplomacy is never easy but President Kagame continues to show the world that it is possible even in the most unlikely situations. 

Marie Collins
Canada