Embassy Events 2003
Ambassador Hill inaugurates “American Thursday,” Discussing U.S. Policy on Iraq
3 April 2003“American Thursday” is
a monthly event in which American diplomats, academics, and students
acquaint the public with a wide range of topics -- from American
culture and history to the economy to sports and U.S. domestic policy.
The
first “American Thursday” program took place on April 3. Almost thirty
participants listened as Ambassador Christopher Hill spoke about U.S.
foreign policy. In the second half of the program, the Ambassador
answered questions from the audience gathered in the American
Information Resource Center.
"I am sorry to say that in case of
Iraq we ran out of diplomatic options,” Ambassador Hill said when asked
about the situation in Iraq. He emphasized that, as an experienced
diplomat, who has worked in various parts of the globe, he can say that
all diplomatic measures to resolve the issue have been exhausted. “I
can tell you where diplomacy can work, and I can tell you where it
doesn’t work."
“We have to win this war, and we will win this
war. But we will also have to win the peace. Winning the peace is not
going to be easy,” Ambassador Hill said. After the war, the United
States will be faced with many challenges linked to installing
democracy in Iraq. He believes democracy in Iraq will not work as well
initially as it did in Poland after the breakthrough in 1989. “We will
have to be patient and very smart about not being visible in Iraq but
not leave them alone,” the Ambassador stated.
Ambassador Hill also answered questions about trans-Atlantic ties, the future of the UN, and U.S. humanitarian aid in Iraq.
The next “American Thursday” program will be held on April 10 -- again, with Ambassador Hill.
 Amb. Hill spoke with students and others at the first "American Thursday" program. |  Anyone interested in U.S. culture and policy is welcome to attend "American Thursday" programs. |  Amb. Hill speaks with two members of the audience. | |
