BuaNews (Tshwane)
Karen Pretorius
17 February 2004
Cape Town — Preparations are underway for the inaugural session of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, next month.
As an organ of the African Union, ratifications of the protocol by a simple majority of 24 member states were needed to establish the PAP. At least 35 countries have so far ratified the protocol.
South Africa ratified the protocol in July 2002.
It is envisaged that the PAP would provide a platform for the people of the continent to discuss problems and challenges facing Africa.
The aim of the Pan African Parliament is also to promote peace, security and stability on the continent.
The inaugural session of the PAP would elect the President and four Vice Presidents to represent the regions of Africa.
Current AU Chairperson, Mozambican President Joachim Chissano would preside over the inaugural session until the election of the office bearers.
Dr Frene Ginwala, chairperson of the PAP Steering Committee said a debate at the inaugural session would deal with the opening statement by President Chissano, which is expected to outline the vision and mission of the PAP.
Parliamentarians would have to take an Oath as members of the PAP.
"Members would be able to take the oath in the four official languages of the African Union, namely French, Arabic, English and Portuguese", Dr Ginwala said at the Working Groups meeting this morning.
At this morning's meeting of the Working Group on the AU, members reiterated that South Africa should not take any position of Presiding Officer of the PAP, as this could disqualify it from hosting the Parliament.
"If we can host, that would be in the best interest of what we want to do, to be a positive influence on the PAP", said Deputy Speaker Baleka Mbete.
Member states of the AU can elect 5 parliamentarians to represent them on the PAP.
South Africa's Parliament has elected Dr Frene Ginwala, deputy chairperson of the NCOP Mninwa Mahlangu, and MP's Makhosazana Njobe, Dr Boy Geldenhuys, and Professor Harriet Ngubane.
Dr Ginwala said the PAP Steering Committee has agreed that parliaments may send three observers to the inaugural session.
Although the PAP would function as a consultative body of the AU, it would not have any legislative powers for a five -year period until 2007 when it becomes a legislative assembly.
The National Assembly is scheduled to debate a report by Parliament's Working Group on the African Union, dealing with issues of the PAP next Thursday.
Speaker Ginwala chairs the Working Group on the AU.
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