VOA标准英语2009年-Niger President Facing Opposition to Exten

Political opponents of Niger's President Mamadou Tandja say they are determined¹ to block a referendum to extend his rule. The White House says it is concerned about President Tandja ruling by decree after dissolving a constitutional court that said his planned referendum is illegal.
　
Niger's President Mamadou Tandja (file photo)

Though Wednesday's call for a nationwide strike met with only limited success, Niger President Mamadou Tandja's political opponents say they will continue to demonstrate against his plans to stay in power.

Ala Mogaskiya from Niger's opposition² Front for the Defense³ of Democracy says President Tandja's move to rule by decree is an attempt to subvert⁴ civilian⁵ democratic rule.

The Front for the Defense of Democracy is calling for soldiers to ignore the president's orders, but a statement from Niger's military says it will remain neutral in the dispute.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says President Tandja's actions undermine efforts during the past 10 years to advance good governance and the rule of law in Niger.

In a written statement, Gibbs says the United States is concerned about President Tandja ruling by decree and dissolving the national assembly and the constitutional court as part of a bid to retain power beyond his constitutionally limited mandate⁶.

The European Union says President Tandja's efforts to stay in power could threaten financial aid to one of the world's poorest countries. France says Mr. Tandja's actions are unconstitutional.

The Economic Community of West African States says it may impose sanctions on Niger. The organization of French-speaking countries is urging the government to observe the rule of law, saying developments in Niger will be addressed at next Friday's meting⁷ of the Permanent Council of the Francophony.

But President Tandja appears determined to press ahead with a referendum August 4 to allow him a third term once his second term expires in December. Niger's 1999 constitution prohibits any amendment⁸ regarding the president's term of office.

While many shops in the capital ignored Wednesday's call for a nationwide strike, local radio stations report there was greater support in other areas, including the city of Zinder.

1 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

2 opposition   

n.反对，敌对

参考例句：

• The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard.该党领袖在自己的党內遇到了反对。
• The police tried to break down the prisoner's opposition.警察设法制住了那个囚犯的反抗。

3 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

4 subvert   

v.推翻；暗中破坏；搅乱

参考例句：

• The rebel army is attempting to subvert the government.反叛军队企图颠覆政府统治。
• They tried to subvert our state and our Party. This is the crux of the matter.他们是要颠覆我们的国家，颠覆我们的党，这是问题的实质。

5 civilian   

adj.平民的，民用的，民众的

参考例句：

• There is no reliable information about civilian casualties.关于平民的伤亡还没有确凿的信息。
• He resigned his commission to take up a civilian job.他辞去军职而从事平民工作。

6 mandate   

n.托管地；命令，指示

参考例句：

• The President had a clear mandate to end the war.总统得到明确的授权结束那场战争。
• The General Election gave him no such mandate.大选并未授予他这种权力。

7 meting   

v.（对某人）施以，给予（处罚等）( mete的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• The manager was strict and fair in meting out rewards and punishments. 经理赏罚严明。 来自互联网
• Doris Crockford. Mr. Potter. I can't believe I'm meting you at last. 我叫桃瑞丝。韦斯莱。波特先生。我真不敢相信，总算见到您了。 来自互联网

8 amendment   

n.改正，修正，改善，修正案

参考例句：

• The amendment was rejected by 207 voters to 143.这项修正案以207票对143票被否决。
• The Opposition has tabled an amendment to the bill.反对党已经就该议案提交了一项修正条款。