DIVISION OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

PRESS RELEASE N0. 06/ 16th AU SUMMIT

Twenty First Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee Kicks Off in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, 24 January 2011 – The Ambassadors of the 53 Member States of the African Union (AU) who constitute the Union’s Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) began meeting today, 24 January 2011 at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The PRC meeting is being held within the framework of the 16th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU under the theme: "Towards Greater Unity and Integration through Shared Values”.

The official opening ceremony of the 21st Ordinary Session of the PRC was chaired by H.E. Dr. Isaac Munlo, Chairperson of the PRC and Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi in Addis Ababa, in the presence notably of Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) and Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC.

Ambassador Munlo underlined the importance of the theme of the 16TH AU Summit saying that the PRC will address core values as well as the rules of procedures to enhance their work and become more effective.

The Ambassador also reminded his colleagues that this session will be his last session as chairperson of the PRC. He expressed appreciation of the good collaboration and work done so far by the PRC saying that this has laid a foundation for the implementation of the African Union integration agenda. He thanked the leadership of the AU Commission for always being available to provide the working materials and being open to discussions when ever they were needed.

In his opening address, Chairperson Ping stressed on the need to work as one body to strengthen the African position in the world arena and enhance the socio-economic and political development of the continent. “Africa has to be united and strong in order to face the many challenges caused by the recent happenings around the world”, he said, adding that major decisions on “Shared Values” will be taken during this Summit in accordance with the theme. He called on the Ambassadors for more solidarity and cohesion during the deliberations in respect of the legal instruments binding the work of the PRC for fruitful outcome.

Chairperson Ping stressed on some of the current issues on the continent to be discussed during the Summit including the situations in Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia. The budget for the financing of the AUC was also highlighted in the Chairperson’s speech. He hoped that this issue will find a quicker and more sustainable solution to enable Africa to become more independent rather than to continue counting on contributions from partners. Budgetary independence he said will make the continental organization more successful.

Meanwhile, for two days the 21st Ordinary Session of the PRC will consider the Report of the Commission on the studies of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)/ African Union (AU) Treaties; and the Progress Report of the Commission on the implementation of the Assembly Decision on the Transformation of the AU Commission in to the AU Authority among others.

Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou on: Tel: +251 911 36 11 85
E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org