Kufuor uges African leaders to close their ranks

PARIS, -- President John Agyekum Kufuor has called on African leaders to close their ranks to win the support of the G8 countries for the successful implementation of the African Union (AU).

He said most of the leaders attending the G8 meeting in Canada next year, have expressed their commitment to support the Union.

"The President said: "What is left for us as leaders in Africa is to close our ranks and co-operate with each other."

President Kufuor was speaking at a meeting with members of the African Diplomatic Corps in Paris today, as part of his official visit to France.

He said for the past 11 months that he has been in office, the invitations he had received and the visits he has made, to all the leaders, talked about the need for the Union and the G8 is committed to assist Africa achieve its agenda.

"Now they have accepted the realities in Africa and are ready to support the initiative. We should do things together as Africans and what is left is for us to close our ranks," he added.

President Kufuor said Africa should be seen as a new continent and this is the period to realise its potential in the community of nations and live in peace.

Mr. Aly Mamer, Egyptian Ambassador and head of the diplomatic corp, expressed their appreciation for President Kufuor to organising such a meeting with them.

He said it is an honour for them to have a discussion with Mr. Kufuor and to be part of his wisdom and advise for an efective Franco-African relations.

Mr. Mamer said since assumption office, President Kufuor has promoted tremendous Franco-African relations with his visits to neighbouring countries which are mostly Francophone.