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| My election is an honour for the entire nation |
1/30/2007 |
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Addis Ababa, Jan. 29, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor, the newly elected Chairman of the African Union (AU), declared on Monday that the vision of the founding fathers, some four decades ago, still remained valid and relevant to the progress of the Continent.
The need for unity of purpose could not be more urgent if the Region was to face squarely and overcome the challenges of the times - weak governance, conflicts, economic marginalisation, youth unemployment, malaria, HIV-AIDS and environmental degradation among other things.
President Kufuor, who was addressing the Eighth AU Heads of State and Government in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa, after he was handed the mantle of leadership of the Union, noted that singularly or standing alone, no African country could hope to successfully overcome those challenges.
He said if they, however, pooled their tremendous human and material resources and worked together with a sense of common purpose and in unity, they could certainly turn things around sooner than later and take their proper place in the world.
President Kufuor said the decision of the African leaders, was a mark of confidence in the continued commitment of Ghana in its efforts within the Region''s common struggle for respect for human rights, dignity, good governance and the eradication of poverty.
"I deem it an honour not for me personally but also for the Government and people of Ghana. It is with great humility and high sense of responsibility that I accept your decision."
President Kufuor paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Chairman, President Dennis Sassou Nguesso of Congo, for the commitment and dedication with which, he conducted the affairs of the Union and the exemplary leadership, he demonstrated, which lifted the image of Africa. "We all greatly appreciate the courage and personal sacrifices, he demonstrated during his tenure of office."
He pledged his preparedness to work with all his colleagues to create conducive conditions that would help to realise the vision of the AU.
"I will be at your service at all times, day and night, rain or shine. I count on you all to give me your cooperation and support", he said, to the applause of the Leaders.
President Kufuor''s election was by a unanimous decision and it followed widespread disapproval of the candidacy of Sudan''s President Omar Al-Bashir, because of his handling of the Darfur conflict. He would hold office for a year.
Source:
GNA
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