From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Wed Feb 04 2009 - 13:26:08 EST
2009-02-04
AU maintains sanctions against five member states in arrears
APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The African Union (AU) assembly decided on
Wednesday to maintain the sanctions imposed on five of its member states
that owe millions of dollars in subscription arrears, APA learns here.
Accordingly, the assembly decided that the sanctions imposed on Cape Verde,
DR Congo, Eritrea, Sao Tome and Principe and Seychelles be maintained until
they fully pay their annual membership dues.
The countries are under sanctions and therefore they could not vote and
speak during the AU Commission meetings, including the summit which ended on
Wednesday in Ethiopia.
According to available information by APA, out of the 52 member states, only
23 countries are up to date with the payment of their annual contributions
to the regular budget.
The assembly further decided that the temporary exemption granted to Burundi
and Sierra Leone from sanctions be maintained so long as they honour their
agreed payment schedule and urges these member states to continue to comply
with the agreed rescheduling plan.
The assembly further requests the chairperson of the commission, Jean Ping,
to explore the possibility of opening a dialogue with the five countries
under sanctions in order to convince them to pay their arrears and be
up-to-date in respect of their status as members of the AU.
DT/daj/APA
2009-02-04
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