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Former UN Chief Calls for Unity to Boost African Peace, Stability, Prosperity
Political unity, economic integration and close cooperation are key steps to achieve peace, stability and prosperity in Africa, former Secretary General of the United Nations Boutros Boutros-Ghali said on Thursday.
Ghali, who was attending the fifth extraordinary summit of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) as an observer, told Xinhua that the gathering was "an important event for Africa" because it would promote coordination and integration among African countries and protect the continent from being marginalized in the world community.
He expressed confidence that the creation of the proposed African Union would help realize Africa's political stability and economic integration, and the unity of African countries.
The two-day summit, opened in the Mediterranean city on Thursday, is expected to discuss issues concerning the establishment of the African Union, initiated by Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi and agreed by more than 40 African leaders in the Declaration of Sirte at the 36th OAU summit in Lome, Togo, last July.
Forty-four countries have signed the Draft Constitutive Act of the African Union, which forms the foundation of the union, and 21 parliaments of the signatory countries have ratified it.
Ratification of the act by two thirds OAU member states, or 36 countries, is required to officially launch the African Union.
Regarding the difficulties the African continent is facing, such as armed conflicts and poverty, Ghali expressed confidence that " unity could make economic, social and constitutional changes in Africa."
He stressed that obstacles to the African unity should be removed and the armed conflicts threatening the continent should be ended in a bid to pave the way for realization of peace and stability in Africa.
He said that Africa will be committed to the process of integration until it finally sets up a United States of Africa.
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