In the continuing controversy regarding the false accusations contained in George Bush's 2003 State of the Union address, virtually nothing has been said about the Republic of Niger - the African country from which Iraq allegedly tried to purchase uranium.

Recent coverage in The Times - White House Official Apologizes for Role in Uranium Claim and other articles - convey no sense that Stephen Hadley, George Tenet, or George Bush have directed an apology where it is most due - to a people and a country that have historically been steadfast friends and allies of the United States.

Niger is ranked 172 of 173 countries on the UN Human Poverty Index.
Nonetheless, the US closed its USAID mission to Niger in the late 1990's.

Where is the apology to the people and the government of Niger? And when will the United States reinstate its AID mission to Niger - the second poorest country on this planet?

Jim Schneider
President, Friends of Niger
Returned US Peace Corps Volunteer (Niger, 1964-66)