US gov’t says it does not endorse candidates or parties in foreign countries
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The United States Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago said American citizens were free to express their opinions anywhere in the world as a government minister criticised the appearance of two former senior US officials on the platform of the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) over the weekend.
Former New York Governor David Paterson and former Congressman Adolphus Towns appeared at the launch of the PNM’s candidates for the September 7 general election and urged voters to ensure that the party wins the election.
In a statement issued ahead of the rally of the United National Congress (UNC) led coalition People’s Partnership government rally and launch of candidates on Sunday, the US Embassy here said that Washington nor the embassies that represent the country abroad “do not endorse candidates or parties in foreign elections.
“US citizens are free to express their opinions in any forum, whether in the US or abroad. Opinions expressed by US citizens who are former office-holders, either on the Federal or State level, should not be seen as reflecting the policy or views of the US Government.”
But UNC deputy leader and Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said the two former US officials were “out of place” for criticising Trinidad and Tobago.
“I was bewildered when two foreigners came to our shores to bad talk Trinidad and Tobago. You cannot come on Trinidad soil and ill speak our Prime Minister. You are fast and out of place and get the hell out of Trinidad,” h said.
He said Paterson had been accused of misconduct and Towns was “one of the most corrupt congressmen in the US” had come here to endorse the PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley.