2006 News Archive

Remarks delivered by Charge d’Affaires John Winant at the American Corner Opening Ceremony

Balti Municipal Public Library
June 8, 2006

Mr. Deputy Mayor, Madam Director, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to be here today at the Balti Municipal Public Library to open our second American Corner in Moldova.  I would like to thank Mayor Panciuc, Deputy Mayor Guznac, and the Library Director, Mrs. Dolintsa, for making it possible to bring this little piece of America to your city.

This American Corner will offer the citizens of Balti open and permanent access to a wide range of information about the United States in the form of reference materials, computerized databases, and direct access to American and global resources via the Internet.

Your Municipal Library is the ideal institution to host an American Corner.  It shares our interest in reaching the broadest possible range of citizens.  Here you have existing collections of American and European literature that draw students and others interested in international affairs and foreign cultures.  We want to give them access to additional information about the United States, not only for research but for action as well.

For example, businessmen can use this American Corner to locate prospective clients and suppliers.  Teachers can find material to enhance their lessons.  Students can learn about opportunities for study in the United States.  Journalists can check facts for their reporting.  And public officials and members of non-governmental organizations can find colleagues in the United States who are grappling with the same sorts of issues that they are dealing with here in Balti.

The world is getting smaller every day, even as the challenges that we face seem to get bigger.  To fight poverty, terrorism, environmental degradation and other problems, we have to work together.  To protect and expand freedom and prosperity, we have to be ready for dialogue and open to new ideas.

Today we are laying a foundation.  In building upon it you will, of course, have the support of the staff of the Embassy in Chisinau.  But ultimately the success of this Corner depends on you.  I hope that it will serve as a vibrant point of connection between our nations, one that will benefit Americans and Moldovans alike and lead to new and deeper relations of mutual respect and common benefit.

Thank you very much.