Botswana Praised By Hillary Clinton

Former United States First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been reported to have given Botswana the thumbs up. It is reported that during the intense hearings to confirm her as US Secretary of State, Clinton talked about foreign aid to countries with mineral wealth.
 
"We should look at the models of countries that have handled their mineral wealth to the advantage of their people. Botswana comes to mind. They have been very good stewards of their diamonds and have invested in roads, schools and infrastructure in Botswana," Clinton said, giving Botswana a rare mention in hallowed places. Blogger Robert Bates writes that the fact that her knowledge about this unpretentious Southern African country surprised many people and made her appear knowleageable about the world.
 
Clinton came to Botswana in 1998 on an official visit with her husband Bill. During the visit, the couple nipped down to Mmokolodi Nature Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary just south of the capital, Gaborone, used as an educational centre for conservation. They also visited the Chobe Game Reserve, a veritable Edenic park teeming with an extensive variety of animals in the north-western part of the country.