Accelerated integration of West Africa my focus

President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman ECOWAS, on Thursday said the accelerated integration of the West African Sub-Region would be his focus.

He said the long-term stability of the neighbourhood could best be ensured through a fast track approach to integration that should break down barriers and make each country the other's keeper.

"My long-term focus as ECOWAS Chairman will therefore be on accelerated integration of West Africa," he added.

President Kufuor made the pledge at a reception in Accra for the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of international institutions and organisations in Ghana.

Present was Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, members of the Council of State, Ministers of State, Politicians and Chiefs.

He said, "Under my Chairmanship of ECOWAS, I will do all that it takes to ensure that peace returns to La Cote d'Ivoire and all other troubled parts of the Sub-Region".

"The equally disturbing situation in Liberia will also be addressed with the same vigour by ECOWAS under my chairmanship".

President Kufuor said Ghana's position is to encourage respect for the integrity of the national territory and constitutionality as the sides find a peaceful accommodation within a government of national unity.

He said in addition Ghana's contingent of 260 Peacekeepers to ECOFORCE would soon assume duty in Cote D'Ivoire to restore peace.

President Kufuor pledged Ghana's support with the rest of the world to condemn all forms of terrorism wherever they occurred and would play its part under the aegis of the United Nations in the international effort to achieve peace.

He expressed the government's appreciation for the good working relations between the various countries, international institutions and organisations, adding, "We treasure your opinions and your friendship".

Mr Ibrahim Khalil Omar, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps said last year marked a tremendous improvement in the relationship between Ghana and its neighbours that guaranteed the peace and stability required for development in the Sub-Region.

He said Ghana had, therefore, become a credible partner whose advice was sought and listened to, adding, "the events in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote D'Ivoire were vibrant illustrations of Ghana's importance in the Sub-Region and its role to bring peace".

Mr Omar who is also the Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Ghana commended Ghana for its commitment to the prevalence of justice and equity in international relations as well as its rejection and condemnation of acts that violated international law.