From: mussie gebreab@earthlink.net (gebreab@earthlink.net)
Date: Fri Oct 17 2008 - 16:33:50 EDT
President holds talks with AU Chairperson
By Staff
Oct 17, 2008, 16:08
Asmara, 17 October 2008 - President Isaias Afwerki today received and held talks with a delegation from the African Union headed by Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the Union.
In the meeting at the Denden Hall, the President expressed appreciation to the AU Chairperson for visiting Asmara and pointed out that Eritrea over the past 15 years since achieving independence did not witness any meaningful accomplishment by the organization. In this regard, he explained that the African Union in itself is being marginalized.
Noting that the expectation of the peoples and the founding fathers of the organization was high, the President indicated that nothing has so far been fulfilled as regards meeting their expectations.
President Isaias further underscored that there exist a number of issues that need to be addressed by the AU, especially that of peace and security as well as development. If at all due attention is to be given to these issues, Eritrea, as Member of the AU, wishes reform of the Union and its renewal following proper assessment, he elaborated.
The President stressed the need for the AU to have its own mechanism and work methodology so that the issues in the Horn of Africa could be seriously addressed. President Isaias further called on the organization to work diligently and be restructured beginning with its headquarters.
“We are not saying the AU lacks principles and goodwill,” the President declared. The question is these principles being translated into deeds, he added. In this respect, President Isaias underlined the need for the organization to transform itself into an entity capable of accomplishing serious practical task.
Mr. Jean Ping on his part stated that his visit as the new AU Chairperson is aimed at getting acquainted with the stance of Member States and exchanging views on avoiding a repeat of past errors. The AU Chairperson went on to say that he upholds the views put forth by Eritrea which is also shared by other African peoples.
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