Bush dedicates new U.S. Embassy in Rwanda

KIGALI, Rwanda, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Cutting the ribbon for a new U.S. Embassy in Rwanda is a way for the United States to show support for the African country's future, President George Bush said.

Referring to the country's genocide in the 1990s, Bush said Tuesday: "It's hard to believe that there could be hope after a devastating period of time like that, and yet there is. And so cutting the ribbon here really is a chance for America to say, we stand with you as you hope for a better future."

He thanked the diplomatic corps, medical workers, military personnel and Rwandans who work at the embassy, saying the United States was a blessed nation with a national interest and a moral interest in helping people around the world.

"It's an honor to be in front of people who've got compassion in their hearts, and efficiency on their minds, and willing to do the right thing to get to save lives," Bush said. "And it's an honor to be in a great friend and ally, Rwanda."

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the U.S. Embassy is a home away from home and "a vote of confidence in how we are building a new nation."