2007年VOA标准英语-Britain's Blair Says World Waiting, Wanting, Zi

By Delia Robertson
Johannesburg
31 May 2007

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has urged African governments to hold Zimbabwe to account and to do so urgently. VOA's Delia Robertson reports from Johannesburg that Mr Blair was speaking in Johannesburg on the final leg of his official farewell tour of the African continent.

Tony Blair, right, waves during a visit to local local community radio station in Soweto, South Africa, 31 May 2007

Mr. Blair said that decades of repression¹ in Zimbabwe have forced as many as one-third of Zimbabweans to leave their country for opportunities elsewhere. While he expressed support for the effort of South African President Thabo Mbeki regarding Zimbabwe, he reminded his host that time is fast running out.

"Now I welcome the determination of the countries of southern Africa to tackle Zimbabwe's problems through the SADC [Southern African Development Community] and President Mbeki's leadership to bring the two countries leadership together. The world is waiting, wanting to engage with a reforming Zimbabwe government," he said. "We support therefore SADC's efforts to develop a clear plan but for the people of Zimbabwe this is urgent and change before the 2008 elections essential."

Mr. Blair had strong words for Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir over the crisis in Darfur, where some 200,000 people have been killed and millions are now dependent on food aid.

"I believe it is wrong that President Bashir, intent, I'm afraid, on bombing his way to a solution, is determined² to obstruct³ any effort made to reinforce the Africa Union's inability to improve security and stability," he added.

Under Mr. Blair's leadership, the British government has expanded its programs in Africa, and the British leader has excellent relations with many African leaders. He urged other western governments to do more for Africa, saying that the time has past for international politics to be defined by narrow, traditional national interests.

"I believe that now, today, our self interest is in substantial part defined by the well being of others," he said. "The consequence of globalization is that our best chance of security and prosperity lies in advancing freedom, opportunity and justice for all."

"It follows that where oppression, poverty and injustice⁴ exist, it is not only our duty but also in our self interest to do what we can to bring about change for the better," continued Mr. Blair.  "And I believe that nowhere is that clearer than here in Africa."

But Mr. Blair said African countries must respond equally, and meet their own commitments to strengthen their democracies, deliver essential services to their people, and work harder to eradicate⁵ corruption⁶.

After his speech, Mr. Blair met with South African elder statesman Nelson Mandela, who welcomed the British leader warmly and described him a true friend of Africa. On Friday, Mr. Blair will meet with President Mbeki, before leaving the continent.

1 repression   

n.镇压，抑制，抑压

参考例句：

• The repression of your true feelings is harmful to your health.压抑你的真实感情有害健康。
• This touched off a new storm against violent repression.这引起了反对暴力镇压的新风暴。

2 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

3 obstruct   

v.阻隔，阻塞(道路、通道等)；n.阻碍物，障碍物

参考例句：

• He became still more dissatisfied with it and secretly did everything in his power to obstruct it.他对此更不满意，尽在暗里使绊子。
• The fallen trees obstruct the road.倒下的树将路堵住了。

4 injustice   

n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利

参考例句：

• They complained of injustice in the way they had been treated.他们抱怨受到不公平的对待。
• All his life he has been struggling against injustice.他一生都在与不公正现象作斗争。

5 eradicate   

v.根除，消灭，杜绝

参考例句：

• These insects are very difficult to eradicate.这些昆虫很难根除。
• They are already battling to eradicate illnesses such as malaria and tetanus.他们已经在努力消灭疟疾、破伤风等疾病。

6 corruption   

n.腐败，堕落，贪污

参考例句：

• The people asked the government to hit out against corruption and theft.人民要求政府严惩贪污盗窃。
• The old man reviled against corruption.那老人痛斥了贪污舞弊。