Administration of George W. Bush, 2008 / Feb. 5 151

Statement on the Appointment of The Lunar New Year also reminds us of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the richness of Asian culture and the signifi- as President of the African cance of its history. By preserving and shar- Union and Foreign Minister Jean ing their heritage, Asian Americans enhance Ping of Gabon as Chair of the the American experience and contribute to our country’s legacy of diversity. Commission of the Laura and I send our best wishes for February 5, 2008 peace, health, and happiness in the New Year. I congratulate President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania on his appointment as the new George W. Bush President of the African Union, as well as NOTE: An original was not available for Foreign Minister Jean Ping of Gabon on his verification of the content of this message. appointment as the new Chair of the Com- mission of the African Union. I am confident that the African Union and the people of Af- Memorandum on Security rica will be well-served by the leadership and Clearances vision President Kikwete and Minister Ping February 5, 2008 will bring to these important posts. The African Continent has experienced Memorandum for the Heads of Executive important progress in recent years. Eco- Departments and Agencies and the Assistant nomic growth is at historic highs; democracy to the President for National Security Affairs is taking root in many countries; and efforts Subject: Security Clearances to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other in- fectious diseases are showing results. Dif- The Federal Government needs a quali- ficult challenges remain, including ending fied, trusted workforce available to success- genocide in Darfur, restoring peace and sta- fully execute its missions. However, long- bility to , and bringing freedom to the standing practices used in the security proc- Zimbabwean people. The looks essing of individuals and contractors to work forward to working closely with President for the Government pose challenges to the Kikwete, Minister Ping, and the African speed with which these individuals can begin Union to address these challenges and to their work or move from one role to another. build on recent achievements to secure a bet- Specifically, the processes for determining ter future for all Africans. eligibility for access to classified information, Laura and I look forward to beginning our determining suitability for Federal employ- visit to Africa next week. ment, determining eligibility to work on a Federal contract, and for granting access to federally controlled facilities and information Message on the Observance of the systems, created for separate purposes, rely Lunar New Year, 2008 on similar background data. Yet the proc- February 5, 2008 esses for collecting and analyzing this data are not sufficiently standardized or coordi- I send greetings to those celebrating the nated to allow for individuals to efficiently Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rat. move between agencies and positions of Gov- Throughout our country and around the ernment covered by one or more of these world, men and women of Asian descent wel- processes. come the Lunar New Year with a spirit of I have determined that the significant op- giving and renewed hope. This holiday, filled portunities to improve these processes, and with vibrant traditions, celebrates new begin- the expected benefits of doing so, argue for nings and recognizes the enduring wisdom aggressive efforts to achieve meaningful and of ancestors. During this special time of year, lasting reform. Without altering the distinct millions of people reunite with family and lines of authority for establishing policies and friends, reflect on the past, and look forward procedures relating to security clearance, to a future of prosperity and opportunity. Federal employment suitability, and related

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