Clinton: Democracy Is on the Foreign Policy Agenda

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered an address at the Council on Foreign Relations today, which detailed the Administration and Department of State’s foreign policy objectives. On democracy promotion, she said:

“Liberty, democracy, justice and opportunity underlie our priorities. Some accuse us of using these ideals to justify actions that contradict their very meaning.”

She added,

“Whether in Latin America or Lebanon, Iran or Liberia, those who are inspired by democracy, who understand that democracy is about more than just elections – that it must also protect minority rights and press freedom, develop strong, competent and independent judiciaries, legislatures and executive agencies, and commit for democracy to deliver results – these are the people who will find that Americans are their friends, not adversaries. As President Obama made clear last week in Ghana, this Administration will stand for accountable and transparent governance, and support those who work to build democratic institutions wherever they live.”