Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the citizens of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Central African Republic on the occasion of your country’s national day celebration.

"America values its friendship with the Central African Republic and we wish you well as you strive to strengthen your democratic institutions, end violence, heal internal divisions, and create a firm foundation for economic development and social progress. The United States wants you to succeed and will continue to assist Central African leaders both in government and civil society who are working to bring your country together and help it to move forward.

"May this year’s national day be a time of unity, pride and resolve for all the people of the Central African Republic. Congratulations once again on this special day."