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Annan pledges UN backing for African Union summit goals

Annan pledges UN backing for African Union summit goals

Secretary-General Kofi Annan
As the members of the African Union gathered for an extraordinary summit in Sirte, Libya, today to consider critical issues of peace, stability and security, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan pledged the world body's fully support for reaching the continent's goals.

In a message delivered to the attending heads of State by Assistant Secretary-General Tuliameni Kalomoh, Mr. Annan said the UN, being firmly committed to Africa's welfare, was honoured to be associated with the AU's work on these issues.

The AU, which replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU), has a structure loosely patterned on that of the European Union. The Assembly comprises leaders of the 53 member States, while the AU's Executive Council is composed of its foreign ministers.

Recalling that the AU was established "to help foster greater political, economic and social integration in Africa," Mr. Annan said it was fitting that the extraordinary session would consider how to develop common approaches to critical challenges facing the continent. A great deal has been accomplished, he said, but much remained to be done.

The Secretary-General also noted that the UN has been helping the AU to enhance its effectiveness and pledged to "continue to do so as the Union steps up its efforts to take firm charge of the enormous and complex challenges before it."

In addition to security affairs, the Assembly is also slated to consider issues concerning agriculture and water supplies.