We cannot turn the clock back nor can we undo the harm caused, but we have the power to determine the future and to ensure that what happened never happens again.

In Rwanda, we have a society that has experienced a very serious rupture and you can't expect all of a sudden that things will be perfect. Even so: You cannot find any more areas where any segment of the population would be afraid to go, like we used to have before. But there is always a lot more to do.

Reconciliation has taken place here in Rwanda and was successful because Rwandans reconciled themselves internally. If the tribunal had taken place in Rwanda, it might have helped. People could have watched justice being done.

Democracy holds little appeal for people who are struggling to survive.

The history and national interest of Rwanda and the Rwandan people dictate our national orientation.

Let no one think that flexibility and a predisposition to compromise is a sign of weakness or a sell-out.

It is better for a country to have a strong leader, this applies to the United States as well as to Rwanda.