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President Wade Hails Lome OAU Summit

A Panafrican News Agency Release


DAKAR, Senegal (PANA) - President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal has hailed the just-concluded summit of the OAU in Lome, Togo, saying he is satisfied with the adoption of the treaty establishing the African Union.

In a statement released after he returned to Dakar from the gathering Wednesday, he described the accomplishment by the African heads of State as a miracle.

"Within a year, since the Sirte meeting, Africa has been able to accomplish its political unity from a mosaic of states. This is a miracle and we should be happy about it," he emphasized.

"Africa has achieved a miracle where Europe spent centuries working on its unity," said Wade, who attended the summit for the first time as head of state.

"The dream I have so long nurtured along with so many other African intellectuals has now come true," he said, adding that he had never before felt so much joy.

According to him, African Unity has to be popularized, its content and thrust explained to all members of society in each OAU member country.

The grounds covered by the African Union include key issues tied to the life of a nation, namely the economy, the environment, social issues and sports, among others.

Commenting on Africa's problems with its external debt estimated at more than 300 billion dollars, Wade said the issue would be discussed at a continental seminar to be held in Dakar.

July 13, 2000

Further Reading:
Final Declaration of the National Consultation of the Congolese
National Consultation of the Congolese: Final Recommendations
Nigerian and South African Troops to Join UN Peacekeeping Efforts in Congo

Links of Interest:
Organization of African Unity
Panafrican News Agency (PANA)