AU Chairman Kufuor achieves first diplomatic success

From Kwaku Osei Bonsu, GNA Special Correspondent, Cannes, France Cannes, Feb. 16, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Thursday achieved his first diplomatic success as Chairman of the African Union (AU) with the landmark signing of a peace pact to ease political tension between Sudan, Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Relations between the three neighbouring countries had deteriorated as a result of the Darfur conflict with each accusing the other of supporting armed rebels seeking to destabilise their respective countries.

At the instance of President Kufuor and with the support of French President Jacque Chirac, the Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed al Bashir, Chadian President Idriss Deby and CAR President Francois Bozize met on the sidelines of the 24th France-African Heads of State Summit to resolve their differences.

A declaration issued at the end of the meeting said the three leaders committed themselves to respect each other country's sovereignty and not to support armed movements across their frontiers. They in addition, pledged to actively engage in a political dialogue to ease tension.

They would also continue to work with the United Nations (UN) and the AU to bring lasting peace, strengthen regional stability and foster good neighbourliness.

President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, and Mr Denis Sasssou Nguesso of Congo, were the other African leaders present at the meeting.

The Summit which was designed to help promote increased political and economic development partnership between France and Africa would end on Friday. It was held under the theme: "Africa and the Global balance."