The United States government has criticized Gambian
President Yahya Jammeh on Saturday for "unconscionable" remarks,
after he reportedly threatened to slit the throats of gay men in his country.
US National Security Advisor Susan Rice said the comments
were part of an "alarming deterioration of the broader human rights
situation" in Gambia. Continue..
"The recent unconscionable comments by Gambian
President Yahya Jammeh underscore why we must continue to seek a world in which
no one lives in fear of violence or persecution because of who they are or whom
they love," Rice said in a statement.
Rice said the United
States is concerned about reports of broader rights violations in the country,
including allegations of missing US citizens.
"We are deeply concerned about credible reports of
torture, suspicious disappearances, including of two American citizens -- and
arbitrary detention at the government's hands," Rice said.
Rice warned the US could take action. It revoked trade
preferences with Gambia last year following reports of a crackdown against the
country's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
"We are reviewing what additional actions are
appropriate to respond to this worsening situation," Rice said. "We
repeat our call for the Gambian government, and all governments, to lead
inclusively, repudiate intolerance, and promote respect for the universal
rights and fundamental freedoms of all people."
AFP
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