Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 11 March 2013- AU Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has saluted former German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and French President General Charles de Gaulle, for their courage in signing the Elysee Treaty 50 years ago, aimed at normalizing relations for the benefit of their people.

In the framework of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the treaty, the embassies of the French Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany in Addis Ababa, organized a programme of events today on the theme of reconciliation, and it was in this context that the Chairperson gave her remarks.

Dr Dlamini Zuma observed that the anniversary of the signing of the treaty coincided with the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity OAU, which will be celebrated on the 25th of May this year. In this respect, she said the continent is looking forward, within the next fifty years, to have attained prosperity and peace.

“Like the Germans and the French, Africa needs to draw inspiration and come closely together, maintain exchanges amid diversity, anchored on the everyday life of their peoples”, the Chairperson said to the many delegates attending a colloquium, organized as part of the celebrations. The delegates included former Nigerian President Mr Olusegun Obasanjo, French Ambassador Ms Brigitte Collet, German Ambassador Ms Liselore Cyrus, member of the AU Panel of the Wise Ms Elizabeth Pognon and Ambassador Girum Abay of the European American General Directorate.

WZM/