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H.E Mr. Joaquim Alberto Chissano,
President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairperson of the African
Union,
H.E. Ato Girma Wolde-Giorgis, President of the Federal Democratic Republic
of Ethiopia,
H.E. Mr. Alpha Oumar Konare, Chairperson of the Commission of the African
Union,
Honourable Speakers of Parliaments of AU Member States,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
H.E. Mr. K. Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of the UNECA,
Distinguished Ministers,
Distinguished Heads of Delegations,
Excellencies Ambassadors,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentleman,
It gives me particular pleasure to welcome you all to Addis Ababa to
participate in this historic inaugural session of the Pan-African Parliament,
which is indeed a landmark event in the building of the African Union.
The Pan-African Parliament is not just an organ of the African Union,
but also an organ, which gives institutional expression to the will
of the African peoples in the making of the entire integration process.
The Pan African Parliament is intended to avail a common platform for
our peoples to be involved in deliberations and decision-making on the
immense challenges faced by Africa. This gathering therefore, is unique
in that it opens a new chapter, as the Pan-African Parliament is the
first concrete step in bringing continental unity closer to the peoples
of Africa.
Mr. Chairperson,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to reiterate that ensuring the effective functioning of the African
Union is bound to be an arduous task. However, aware of the magnitude
of the challenges that our continent is currently facing, we Africans
have no choice but to do whatever is in our power to make our organization
an effective vehicle for the realization of our common aspiration. This
is indeed one of the viable ways we have to tackle poverty and to make
a meaningful difference in the lives of our peoples as our destiny is
bound together. Therefore, what we have achieved so far since the transformation
of the OAU into the African Union is indeed encouraging.
In this regard, the establishment of the Pan-African Parliament is the
reflection of the progress we are making toward laying the foundation
for the achievement of the objectives of the Union. What the Pan-African
Parliament would facilitate for us is enhanced participation of our
peoples in the workings of the African Union, in greater promotion of
the rights of our peoples and in speeding up the integration process
of our countries. It will also help us lay down a solid foundation for
the rule of law in the conduct of our affairs within the African Union
and while we attempt to achieve the objectives of the Union. No doubt,
adherences to the laws we ourselves make are undoubtedly very critical
for the smooth and proper functioning of our institution. In this connection,
it would only be fitting to mention that, apart from broadening the
participation of our peoples, the Pan-African Parliament, I should reiterate,
would be instrumental in strengthening legality in all our undertakings
as it is composed of lawmakers.
I wish to emphasize here that the Pan-African Parliament, in so far
as, it would allow the voice of the people to he heard on matters that
affect them directly, will be an effective instrument for sustainable
peace and development in our continent. Therefore, we need to be aware
from the outset that the expectations of our peoples are indeed very
high and I have no doubt that the Pan-African Parliament will live up
to this expectation.
Mr. Chairperson,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Looking back in time, our success in setting up an effective organ of
the African Union, in a way brings us closer to fulfilling the ideals
of the founding fathers of the OAU. The dream of the founding fathers
has been greater solidarity and sustainable political and economic freedom
as well as development. The aspirations of our generation for successful
integration, peace, stability and socio-economic development in Africa,
is therefore, drawing its motivation from the past. It behooves our
generation, therefore, to collectively endevour towards the strengthening
of our Union as well as its organs. We need to avoid pitfalls and take
advantage of available opportunities for the success of this noble undertaking.
Mr. Chairperson,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Africa is changing, and I must say despite the hurdles we face, which
require no elaboration here, has the capacity to make real progress:
However, this can be made real when Africa is able to pursue transparent
and representative politics and when these become the rule rather than
the exception. I have no doubt that the Pan-African Parliament will
broaden the horizons of participation in every aspect of our continental
venture.
It is in light of this, that I would like to assure you all, that Ethiopia
will do everything possible to contribute its share for the successful
discharge of the high responsibilities entrusted to this important organ.
Ethiopia is honoured to participate in this historic launching of the
long awaited Pan-African Parliament and it remains for me to wish each
and everyone a successful deliberation and to those who have come from
outside Ethiopia a very pleasant stay in Addis Ababa.
I thank you
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