Nation Committed to Peace - President

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday said Ghana is committed to playing an active role in ensuring peace in the West African sub-region. "It is in our interest that we are not only at peace with our neighbouring countries, but that there should be peace in those countries as well," he added.

President Kufuor said this at a reception for the Diplomatic Corps at the Castle, Osu.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Representatives of United Nations Specialised Agencies and other International organisations accredited to Ghana, were introduced to President Kufuor.

He noted that, all eyes were on Ghana last year after the successful change in government through peaceful elections, which encouraged the government to deepen democracy and the rule of law.

The government, he said, has conducted its international relations in a manner that has attracted support to its policies and programmes.

The adoption of the African Union Treaty last year, meant a re-awakening of the self-awareness and resolve among Africans to pursue unity through practical means.

"With goodwill, co-operation and encouragement from the international community, Africa would realise its full potential. The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) provides a useful framework to work with our development partners to move Africa forward," he said.

President Kufuor said Ghana condemned the September 11 bombings in New York and Washington and all forms of terrorism wherever they occur and would contribute its quota to the international effort to rid the world of the phenomenon.

He re-affirmed Ghana's faith in the Commonwealth and congratulated Queen Elizabeth II who would celebrate her 50th anniversary as Head of the organisation this year.

President Kufuor said the Commonwealth has played an honourable role in international affairs. "There can be no doubt that the organisation is renewing itself by promoting the respect of rights and humanity as being integral to cohesion among members".

Mr Ibrahim Khalil Omar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps said despite the difficulties encountered by the government last year, it maintained a high level of peace and stability.

He commended the government for the efforts it has made to foster friendship and solidarity with Ghana's neighbours and promote the political and economic integration of Africa.

Mr Omar said there are clear signs that the international community is responding positively to the government's efforts to promote a positive image for the country on the world scene.

He expressed the hope that, there would be more active co-operation between states especially among developing countries to help tackle and resolve the multiplicity of problems ranging from disasters, hunger, the HIV/AIDS menace and socio-economic problems to move the people forward this year.