BuaNews (Tshwane)

Africa: African Union Authority to Be Established

6 July 2009


Sirte — Continental leaders gathered at the 13th African Union Summit on Friday took a decision to transform the African Union Commission into a new African Union Authority.

Libyan President and host of the summit, Muammar Gaddafi, hailed the landmark decision at the closing of the summit.

"Africa will speak through one single voice to take up challenges," said the leader.

African observers also welcomed the decision, saying it would strengthen Africa's unity and continental integration. A new authority is being seen as a positive step towards forging a bigger say in international arena.

However, they warned that the transformation process would need to take time before tangible actions are taken. "The road ahead for the formation of the new authority will not be smooth and there will be more and higher hurdles waiting for the pan-African body," said an observer.

Also speaking at the close of the summit, South African President Jacob Zuma said the summit had realized a progressive step for building a new Africa.

He reiterated the call that all Africans should remain loyal to their commitments to African unity.

"I pledge on behalf of the government of South Africa to neither betray the cause of the African unity nor ever neglect to implement this responsibility," said the President, who played an important role during the summit in mediating on issues, such as the formation of the African government.

AU Commission Chairperson Jean Ping had earlier told BuaNews that African leaders had invested much hope in President Zuma. "He has played an important role during all our meetings and as leaders we look upon him," he said.

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Author: peogon
Thu Jul 16 23:39:07 2009

I wonder, why Iran is not invited to be a member of the 'none-allien movements' and the African Union?

Iran is both, a part of Asia and a part of Africa and should be included as a member of both 'wings'.

Iran is a developing nation like any other developing nations and we are certain the majority of the Iranian people are ethical, law abiding, industrious and hard working people. Consequently, they should be included to be a part of both wings for the benefits to be mutual. The Iranian people, the Africans and the Asians will benefit from the combined contributions and efforts if these combined contributions and efforts are well managed and chanelled towards education, research, training, technology, development, business partnerships, economic growth, exchanges and prosperity for people to improve their own qualities and standards of living.

These huge collective of experiences and expertise could generate innovation and create new technologies to help people overcome many challenges, such as poverty, greed, illetracy, laziness, diseases, corruption, bigotry and so on. These combined and collective experiences and expertise, if well managed and utilized could open up new future horizons that humanity may benefit from.


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