Friday, 11 October 2013

 AFRICA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT DISCUSSED AT EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF THE AFRICAN UNION


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Addis Ababa, 11 October 2013 -  “The fight against impunity is inscribed in the very founding vision of the African Union. It is clearly articulated in the AU Constitutive Act and other relevant AU instruments, as well as in various decisions of the AU’s policy organs.” The statement was made by Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, today Friday 11 October 2013, while addressing the opening of the 15thExtraordinary Session of the Executive Council at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme: Africa’s relationship with the International Criminal Court”.

 Dr. Dlamini Zuma pointed out that the Union has a strong policy position that the pursuit of justice should go hand-in-hand with the promotion of peace, security, stability and prosperity of African countries. This, she said will help to realize the legitimate aspirations of the African people for dignity and national reconciliation, especially in conflict situations. (See complete speech of the AUC Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int )




Fifteenth Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council11 October 2013 Addis Ababa Ethiopia (5).jpgDr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the Executive Council of the African Union in his opening remarks urged that Africans should speak with one voice thereby sending a strong message to the international community on the issue of Africa’s relation with the ICC. “In our effort for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Africa, we have clearly recognized that the search for justice should be pursued in a way that does not impede or jeopardize efforts aimed at promoting lasting peace”, he noted. (See complete speech of the Executive Council Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int )


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The Executive Council is holding ahead of the Extraordinary Session of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union scheduled to take place tomorrow 12 October 2013.

The 15th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council will also elect a new Commissioner for Peace and Security to replace Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra who was appointed as the Foreign Minister of Algeria on 11 September 2013.