Letter dated 10 August 1994 from the Permanent Representative of
Ethiopia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General
I have the honor to request that you arrange for the distribution as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda item 32, of the resolutions adopted by the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity at its sixtieth ordinary session, held at Tunis from 6 to 11 June 1994 and the declarations and resolutions adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity at its thirtieth ordinary session, held at Tunis from 13 to 15 June 1994.
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(Signed) Mulgeta ETEFFA Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations and Chairman of the African Group for the month of August |
ANNEX I
Resolutions adopted by the Council of Ministers of
the Organization of African Unity at its sixtieth
ordinary session
/…
CM/Res.1514 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE PROBLEM OF ARREARS OF CONTRIBUTIONS
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Considering the provisions of Article XXIII of the Charter,
Having considered the, report of the Credentials Committee,
Recalling further resolution CM/Res.1279 (LII) particularly, its operative para. 2 (e) establishing a Credentials Committee responsible for implementing the sanctions stipulated in paragraph 2 (d) of the same resolution,
Recalling previous resolutions CM/Res.1279 (LII) CM/Res.1311 (LIII), CM/Res.1364 (LV), CM/Res.1423 (LVII) an CM/Res.1480 (LIX) relating to arrears of contributions,
Gravely concerned at the growing number of Member State that are not honoring their financial obligations towards the organization,
Aware of the fact that this persistent situation constitutes a serious impediment to the smooth functioning of the Organization, the accomplishment of its mission and the attainment of its objectives,
Reaffirming that regular payment of contributions to the Regular Budget of the organization is a fundamental obligation of each Member State:
1. TAKES NOTE WITH APPRECIATION of the report of the Second Meeting of the Credentials Committee and APPROVES its recommendations;
2. CONGRATULATES, in particular, the following 14 Member States that are up-to-date in fulfilling their financial obligations towards the Organization:
1. Algeria 8. Namibia
2. Botswana 9. Nigeria
3. Egypt 10. Senegal
4. Lesotho 11. Swaziland
5. Madagascar 12. Tanzania
6. Mauritania 13. Tunisia
7. Mauritius 14. Zimbabwe
3. STRONGLY URGES those Member States that have not yet paid their arrears of contributions or entered into necessary arrangements in response to the payment schedule proposals submitted by the General Secretariat early in 1993, in keeping with the provisions of paragraph 3 of Resolution CM/Res.1423 (LVII) to do so, bearing in mind that sanctions already approved in Resolution CM/Res. 1279 (LII) shall be implemented with effect from 1 June 1995;
4. REQUESTS the Credentials Committee to monitor closely the effective implementation of all decisions relating to the status of arrears of contributions and to formulate appropriate recommendations for consideration by the Council of Ministers and the Assembly of Heads of State and Government;
5. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to ensure an equitable distribution of posts in the Organization in accordance with the provisions of resolution CM/Res.1311 (LII);
6. DECIDES to change the name of the Committee from Credentials Committee to Committee on Contributions.
CM/Res.1515 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON SOUTH AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the very important developments in South Africa, especially on the historic and first democratic and non-racial elections which took place on 26, 27 and 28 April, 1994,
Having also considered the report of the Sixty-first ordinary Session of the Co-ordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa,
Having heard the statement of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Africa on the new situation obtaining in his country,
Noting that the results of the first democratic and non-racial elections in South Africa were duly certified as free and fair by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and by the international Observer Missions based in the country,
Delighted at the fact that the first democratic and non-racial. elections in South Africa were conducted in an atmosphere of peace, security and tranquility and that the people of South Africa had demonstrated during the elections a sense of great responsibility and maturity in exercising their sacred and legitimate right to vote,
Noting with satisfaction the participation in the elections of the overwhelming majority of the South African political parties which made the electoral process, to a great extent, an all inclusive one and paved the way for national reconciliation in the country,
Expressing its appreciation to the OAU Member States that sent observers to South Africa under the leadership of the OAU, and to the international community at large whose massive presence in the country during the electoral process made important contribution to the holding of free and fair elections,
Reiterating its unwavering support for the unity and territorial integrity of South Africa and unequivocally rejecting any attempts aimed at dividing the country,
Welcoming South Africa as a member of the OAU:
1. WELCOMES with appreciation and satisfaction the results of the first democratic and non-racial elections which were held on 26, 27 and 28 April, 1994;
2. CONGRATULATES the people of South Africa for the disciplined, orderly and peaceful manner in which they exercised their right to vote during the elections and COMMENDS the efforts made by each and every South African which made it possible to hold the elections in an atmosphere free from any acts of violence and intimidation;
3. COMMENDS all the leaders of the parties which took part in the elections, for displaying a spirit of accommodation and demonstrating their willingness to work towards national reconciliation and nation- building of their country;
4. APPEALS to all parties in South Africa to spare no efforts in facing up to their responsibilities and extend their full support to the Government of National Unity in building peace, security and national reconciliation;
5. EXPRESSES its appreciation to the OAU Member States and to the international community as a whole for the outstanding role they had played throughout the struggle against the system of apartheid and for sending observers the April elections thus greatly contributing to the achievement of the objective of transforming South Africa into a democratic, non-racial and united country;
6. REITERATES its unflinching support for the unity and territorial integrity of South Africa and strongly OPPOSES any attempts aimed at dividing the country;
7. WELCOMES South Africa as the Fifty-third Member of the OAU and EXPRESSES confidence that it will play a significant role in strengthening the African family of nations.
CM/Res.1516 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON SOMALIA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Somalia, contained in Document CM/1830 (LX),
Recalling the Agreement concluded at the Conference on National Reconciliation in Somalia, held from 15 to 27 March 1993, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
Appreciative of the commendable efforts made by H.E. President Mubarak of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. President Daniel T. Arap Moi, President of the Republic of Kenya and H.E. President Meles Zenawi of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia, in accordance with the mandate entrusted to the latter by the OAU Heads of State and Government to assist the Somalis in restoring peace and achieving national reconciliation in their country,
Considering the praiseworthy efforts made by the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to Somalia, and its disposition to help in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country,
Reaffirming the imperative need to establish a secure atmosphere conducive to humanitarian activities as well as the peace process to take place in Somalia,
Bearing in mind the Declaration signed by the leaders of the Somali political organizations on 24th March 1994, in Nairobi, under the auspices of UNSOM,
Considering that the Declaration constitutes a watershed in the resumption of the dialogue among the various parties a stressed by the Second Ordinary Session of the Central organ, meeting at Ministerial level,
Recognizing the major role of Africa in the settlement of the Somali conflict:
1. TAKES NOTE of the report of the Secretary-General
2. COMMENDS H.E. President Mubarak of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. President Meles Zenawi of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia, H.E. President Daniel T. Arap Moi of the Republic of Kenya and Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, the OAU Secretary-General as well as the African countries contributing troops to UNSOM, on their relentless efforts in the search of a negotiated political solution for the Somali problem;
3. EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION for the Resolution 897 (1994) adopted by the Security Council on 4 February 1994, by which the Council approved the UN Secretary-General's recommendation for the continuation of UNOSOM II, within the context of a revised mandate;
4. REITERATES the appeal made by the Central Organ at its Summit level meeting in Cairo, on 7 December 1993, to the United Nations, particularly to UNOSOM II, to work in close coordination and partnership with the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, particularly with President Meles Zenawi, to facilitate political reconciliation and the implementation of all agreements on Somalia;
5. REITERATES further that restoration of peace in Somalia remains essentially the responsibility of the Somalis, and that the international community can only help them in the realization of that objective;
6. TAKES NOTE of the Declaration by the leaders of the Somali political organizations signed in Nairobi, on 24th March 1994, by the various Somali political organizations, and COMMENDS them for their efforts and URGES them to persevere in the dialogue that they have embarked upon and to work tirelessly towards the convening of the National Reconciliation Conference;
7. REAFFIRMS the position of the Central Organ for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, at its Ministerial level, contained in the Communiqué issued on 24 March 1994, urging the various Somali political organizations to proceed with the course of common action which is envisaged in their Declaration;
8. COMMENDS particularly the Somali Aid Co-ordination Body and its Standing Committee for the good work it has started in the field of rehabilitation and reconstruction;
9. CALLS UPON the international community to continue rendering adequate assistance to the people of Somalia in the areas of recovery, rehabilitation and humanitarian relief supplies;
10. REQUESTS the Central Organ and the OAU Secretary-General to continue to follow closely, developments in the situation in Somalia, and to report to the next ordinary session of the Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1517 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE SITUATION IN RWANDA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary -General on the situation in Rwanda,
Having also considered the relevant parts of the Introductory Note to the Report of the Secretary-General as contained in Document CM/1825 (LX) Part I, as well as the report of the Ministerial Committee set up by the Sixtieth Session of Council on the situation in Rwanda,
Gravely concerned over the continuation of the massacres and killing of innocent civilians in Rwanda,
Equally concerned over the continued hostilities between the Government forces and those of the Rwandese Patriotic Front,
Recalling the Communiqué issued by the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 28 April 1994, on the massacres and wanton killings in Rwanda and the responsibility of the perpetrators under international law,
Taking note of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 925 (1994) of 8th June, 1994,
Stressing the urgent need to put an immediate end to the massacres and systematic killing and to bring about an immediate cessation of hostilities,
Conscious of the continued relevance and significance of the Arusha Peace Agreement within the context of bringing about a political solution to the Rwanda conflict,
Gravely concerned at the humanitarian catastrophe facing Rwanda including the presence of hundreds of thousands of Rwandese refugee in neighboring countries as well as millions of internally displaced persons,
Expressing deep appreciation to the neighboring countries, the United Nations Agencies as well as Non-Governmental organizations for the humanitarian assistance provided to the refugees and the internally displaced persons:
1. WELCOMES the report of the Secretary-general and NOTES WITH APPRECIATION the report of the Ministerial Committee on the situation in Rwanda;
2. STRONGLY condemns the massacres and systematic killings which have taken place and continue to take place in Rwanda, and calls for an end to these heinous crimes which constitute a crime against humanity;
3. SUPPORTS the call of the Central Organ for the perpetrators to be identified, tried and punished in accordance with international law;
4. CALLS for an immediate cessation of hostilities and establishment of a cease-fire;
5. URGES the Parties in conflict to put an immediate end to any and all propaganda through the mass media and any other channel which incites the population and perpetuates a climate of hatred and fear in the country and to encourage national reconciliation and national concord;
6. REAFFIRMS that the Arusha Peace Agreement constitutes the basis for a lasting solution to the conflict in Rwanda;
7. REAFFIRMS Africa's preparedness to contribute troops to UNAMIR II and, in this connection, TAKES NOTE WITH APPRECIATION the pledges and contributions already made by a number of African countries;
8. APPEALS to the International Community to provide the United Nations with the necessary financial and logistical resources to facilitate the quick and effective deployment of the UNAMIR II;
9. APPEALS to the International community to provide urgently increased and adequate humanitarian assistance to the refugees and to the internally displaced persons in Rwanda;
10. REQUESTS the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution working very closely with the Mediator, the Facilitator and the leaders of the region to follow the situation closely with a view to ending the massacres and the hostilities in order to create the necessary conducive environment for the implementation of the Arusha Peace Agreement;
11. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to continue to follow closely the situation in Rwanda and to report on the implementation of this resolution.
CM/Res.1518 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON LIBERIA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, from 6 – 11 June 1994,
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the situation in Liberia as contained in Document CM/1832 (LX),
Recalling the meeting of Foreign ministers of Ecowas expanded Committee of nine on Liberia held in Tunis, Tunisia on June 10, 1994,
Recalling further the Cotonou Accord signed on 25 July 1993 by the Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU), the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) and the United: Liberation Movement for Democracy in Liberia (ULIMO) under the auspices of ECOWAS, the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations aimed at bringing about a peaceful end to the conflict,
Noting with appreciation the progress that has been made in the implementation of the Cotonou Accord, particularly the installation of the Council of State, the Transitional Legislative Assembly, the Supreme Court, and the Elections Commission of the Liberia National Transitional Government and the commencement of the process of disarmament on March 7, 1994,
Expressing concern about the slow pace with which the process of disarmament is proceeding, leading to the recent upsurge in fighting among the various factions and the increase of new military groups in Liberia,
Being aware that the slow pace of disarmament has directly or otherwise caused undue disruption of humanitarian relief supplies in other parts of Liberia,
Considering the invaluable contribution which the Economic community of West African States, the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations have made towards the advancement of the peace process in Liberia by providing Ecomog troops, expanded troops from Uganda and Tanzania, and UN military observers,
Observing with serious concerns that some of the parties to the Cotonou Accord are laying down preconditions not stated in the Accord for compliance,
Noting that the slow pace of disarmament continues to have disastrous consequences on the people of Liberia and those of the neighbouring countries, thus posing a threat to the peace and stability of the Ecowas region :
1. REAFFIRMS its belief that the Cotonou Accord continues to offer the best possible framework for a peaceful settlement of the Liberian conflict; and CALLS ON all parties to respect and implement the Accord;
2. URGES all signatories to the Cotonou Accord to honor their signatures and commitments and to resolve their differences within the framework of the Liberian National Transitional Government and the Cotonou Accord;
3. CALLS ON the signatories to the Cotonou Accord to desist and refrain from raising issues that are not in the Cotonou Accord as preconditions for their full compliance, thereby further delaying the peace-process;
4. WELCOMES the installation of the Liberian National Transitional Government (LNTG);
5. SUPPORTS and gives credence to the Liberian National Transitional Government (LNTG), and calls on all the Liberian parties to support the Government and facilitate the rapid implementation of the Accord, particularly the disarmament process;
6. CALLS ON the United Nations and all peace-loving Nations to cooperate with and give full faith and credence to the Liberian National Transitional Government (LNTG) which is a composite of all the parties to the Cotonou Accord;
7. CONFIRMS that holding of Presidential and General Elections must be preceded by a comprehensive and total disarmament of all warring factions;
8. CALLS ON all parties to immediately put a stop to the importation of any weapon and war-like material by any means into Liberia, and appeals to the international Community, especially neighboring countries to take all steps necessary to implement and observe the arms embargo;
9. CALLS ON all parties to adhere scrupulously to the terms of the cease-fire and to cooperate fully with the international relief efforts in order to facilitate unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid; and appeals to the international Community to continue to extend humanitarian assistance to the Liberian people throughout the country and Liberian refugees residing in neighboring countries;
10. COMMENDS in particular the efforts of those Ecowas countries, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Mali which have contributed troops to the original ECOMOG contingent despite the enormous human and material costs to themselves, in order to assist in the search for peace in Liberia;
11. EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE to the African countries outside the ECOWAS region, namely : Uganda and Tanzania which are contributing troops for the expanded ECOMOG, as w ell as to the United Nations
Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), in support of the peace process;
12. SALUTES THE COURAGE of all contingents of ECOMOG troops and extols them to continue to pursue their peace mission;
13. APPEALS to the United States of America, the European Union, Japan, the United Nations and the international Community to contribute generously to the United Nations Trust Fund for Liberia;
14. CALLS ON the United Nations Secretary General to continue to ensure that the Fund is used to assist all the contingents, including those under ECOMOG, in the Liberian peace-keeping operations;
15. FURTHER CALLS ON the international Community, especially relevant United Nations Agencies and non-governmental international organizations, to give their full financial, material and technical support to the repatriation and resettlement of Liberian refugees and all internally displaced persons in the country, and to contribute positively towards moving the country generally from dependence on humanitarian assistance to laying the basis for self-reliance, national rehabilitation, reconstruction and development;
16. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity to follow closely developments of the situation in Liberia and report thereon to the next ordinary session of the Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1519 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE SITUATION IN ANGOLA
The Council of Ministers of the organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the Situation in Southern Africa, particularly in Angola,
Having heard the statement by the Minister of External Relations of Angola on the earlier developments in the negotiations between the Government and UNITA,
Recalling its previous resolutions and decisions on the situation in Angola,
Also Recalling the Declaration on Angola adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU, meeting in its 29th ordinary Session in Cairo, Egypt, in June 1993, as well as the statements issued by the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution,
Further recalling the position of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Southern Africa and of the Frontline States regarding the prevailing situation in Angola,
Noting with concern that while progress had been made in the previously adopted agenda of the Lusaka talks and while the last offer by the Angolan Government for UNITA's participation in the Government of National Unity had given new momentum to the conclusion of a global peace agreement, fighting still continues which leads to bloodshed and a dramatic humanitarian situation:
1. REAFFIRMS ITS TOTAL SUPPORT for the peace process in Angola on the basis of the "Acord de Paz", the relevant United Nations Security council resolutions and the results of the internationally supervised elections which were recognized as free and fair;
2. SUPPORTS the efforts of the United Nations and the three observer states to Angolan peace process with a view to bringing the current talks in Lusaka to an agreement ensuring lasting peace in Angola;
3. WELCOMES the formal acceptance by the Government of the Republic of Angola of the proposals on national reconciliation made by the special representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the three Observer states to Angolan Peace Process and commends the Angolan Government for its flexibility;
4. URGES UNITA to accept the proposals on national reconciliation, to negotiate in good faith and to assume a positive attitude towards the conclusion of a global Peace Agreement without delay;
5. COMMENDS the efforts exerted by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and the three Observer States to Angola Peace Process, as well as by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and some neighbouring States, in particular Zambia, and encouraging the parties involved to persevere in their efforts with a view to early solve the Angolan crisis by negotiated means, within the framework of the "Acord de Paz" and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions inter-alia, the resolutions 696 (1991) and 922 (1994);
6. NOTES WITH APPRECIATION the efforts of the OAU Secretary-General and the endeavors of the OAU Ad-Hoc Committee on Southern Africa to seek a peaceful settlement of the Angolan crisis;
7. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU to continue to work with the United Nations Secretary-General and his special representative to Angola in giving momentum to the peace process in that country and to explore within the framework of the UN, ways through which the OAU could be of assistance in the efforts of the United Nations, aimed at the establishment of stability, lasting peace and national reconciliation;
8. APPEALS to all Member States of the OAU, as well as to members of the international community at large, to give humanitarian assistance to alleviate the extreme suffering of the Angolan people.
CH/Res.1520 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE OUTCOME OF THE THIRD
CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF MARITIME TRANSPORT
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Recalling the relevant provisions of the Treaty establishing the African Economic community,
Recalling it's resolutions CM/Res.1169 (XLVIII), CM/Res.1227 (L) and CM/Res.1284 (L) on Maritime Transport,
Aware of the importance of the Maritime Transport Sector and related activities for the economic development and integration of Africa,
Having taken cognizance of the report of the Ministers of Maritime Transport,
Convinced that the issues that engaged the attention of the Ministers of Maritime Transport constitute priorities in the African Maritime Sector,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the outcome of the Third Conference of Ministers of Maritime Transport (Doc. CM/1838 (LX):
1. ENDORSES the outcome of the deliberations of the Third Conference of Ministers of Maritime Transport.
2. APPROVES consequently the adoption of the African Charter on Maritime Transport as the model pattern for the review and the harmonization of African Maritime Laws and Regulations and as the common minimum principles of Maritime Transportation of the Member States of the organization of African Unity;
3. URGES all the Member States to sign and ratify the African Charter on Maritime Transport and implement it fully in the general interest of African economies;
4. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to take all the necessary measures for the proper functioning of the Group of Experts requested to help the General Secretariat in its task of preparing a model harmonized maritime legislation in conformity with the model pattern.
5. REQUESTS further the Secretary-General to continue to follow regularly the development of the situation in the Maritime Sector in the continent as well as to follow closely the negotiations on the global liberalization of services in maritime transport starting soon within the framework of the GATT Agreement and to coordinate the formulation of a Common African Position so as to further its interest and to convene at the appropriate time extraordinary sessions of the Conference of Ministers of Maritime Transport in conformity with operative paragraph 3 of resolution MT/MIN/Res.8 (III);
6. REQUESTS finally the OAU Secretary-General to report to it on the implementation of this resolution to the Sixty-second Session of the Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1521 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON REFUGEES, RETURNEES
AND DISPLACED PERSONS IN AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session, in Tunis, Tunisia from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report by the OAU Commission of Fifteen on Refugees on the situation of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa contained in Document CM/1833 (LX);
Recalling its previous resolutions on refugees and in particular its Resolutions CM/Res.1448 (LVII) and CM/Res.1489 (LIX) which spell out the main root causes of the problem of refugees and displaced persons in Africa,
Recalling further the fact that refugee influxes and displacement of people have continued to occur in various parts of the continent and to place extra burden on countries of asylum,
Noting with satisfaction the necessary measures taken by both the General Secretariat and the OAU Commission of Fifteen on Refugees, in particular the fact-finding missions undertaken to fourteen OAU Member States by the Commission in conformity with the directives given during its Fifty-ninth ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, from 31 January to 4 February, 1994,
Noting with deep gratitude the readiness and willingness with which OAU Member States have always received refugees and displaced persons in spite of the economic difficulties facing most African States,
Deeply saddened by the recent tragic events in Rwanda which, among other traumatic consequences, have created a refugee emergency of dramatic and unprecedented proportions;
Concerned that several other conflicts political crisis and strife throughout the continent continue to produce monumental suffering including the internal and external displacement of populations;
Noting with grave concern the escalating situation of the problem of refugees and displaced persons in Africa which the OAU Commission of Fifteen on Refugees is called upon to play in sensitizing the international community;
Recognizing the continued efforts of the UNHCR, the ICRC, governmental and non-governmental organizations in providing assistance to African refugees and displaced persons together with other needy populations, including wounded and sick persons during armed conflicts,
Noting that this year OAU commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the adoption of the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee problems in Africa and its 20th Anniversary of the coming into force:
1. TAKES NOTE of the report presented by the OAU Commission of Fifteen on the situation of Refugees and Displaced Persons;
2. PAYS TRIBUTE to the countries of asylum for the assistance they extend to the refugees and the displaced persons, in spite of the severe economic constraints they are facing;
3. URGES member States to continue addressing the root causes of the problem of refugees and displaced persons and create the necessary conducive atmosphere in order to reduce the incidence of asylum-seeking in the continent and to encourage voluntary repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin, once the conditions that caused their exile have disappeared;
4. COMMENDS Member States which have ratified the 1951 UN Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the 1969 OAU Convention governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa as well as the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and URGES once more those Member States that have not done so to ratify these legal instruments pertaining to the refugee situation;
5. CALLS UPON Member States to translate into action their collective and individual commitment to the defense and protection of human and people's rights and to the peaceful settlement of internal and inter-state conflicts;
6. TAKES NOTE of the report on the progress made so far by the OAU General Secretariat and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in jointly organizing a symposium to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the entry into force and the 25th Anniversary of the adoption of the 1969 OAU Convention governing the. specific Aspects of the Refugee Problems in Africa and URGES the Member States to provide all necessary support to make the symposium a success, including in particular, representatives at the highest possible level and taking an active part in the deliberations of the symposium scheduled to take place from 5 – 7 September, 1994;
7. FURTHER URGES Member States to undertake other activities to commemorate the above-mentioned anniversaries including organizing fund-raising functions during 1994 through sports, issuing of stamps, concerts and other activities in favor of refugees and displaced persons;
8. EXPRESS ITS GRATITUDE to the international community for the humanitarian assistance it has continued to render to refugees and displaced persons as well as to the countries of asylum and CALLS ON it to continue to provide assistance to the millions of refugees and displaced persons in Africa
9. REQUESTS the Commission of Fifteen on Refugees to evolve a practical work program that, among other things, emphasizes the mobilization of financial and material assistance to refugees and displaced persons;
10. DECIDES to expand the composition of the membership of the OAU Commission of Fifteen on Refugees from 15 to 20 composed of the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
CM/Res.1522 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE MIDDLE EAST
The Council of Ministers of the organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session, in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the Report of the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity and the situation in the Middle East, CM/1834 (LX),
Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charters of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity and by the common determination of the African and Arab peoples to pull their resources in order to safeguard their sovereignty and recover their legitimate basic rights,
Bearing in mind all the successive resolutions on the situation in the Middle East adopted by the OAU Assembly of heads of State and Government and the Council of Ministers,
Recalling that the Palestinian question is at the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East:
1. EXTENDS ITS FULL SUPPORT to the Palestinian people an the Arab countries in their endeavor to put an end to the Israeli occupation and to the establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East;
2. REAFFIRMS that the issues of Jerusalem and Palestine are at the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict and that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be established unless Israel withdraws from all the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including Jerusalem, the Syrian Golan and South Lebanon and the Palestinian people can exercise their inalienable national rights;
3. NOTES WITH SATISFACTION the on-going positive developments in the Middle East and EXPRESSES ITS FULL SUPPORT to the efforts made to bring about a comprehensive and just solution to the question of Palestine and to the Arab – Israeli conflict in accordance with international resolutions, in particular security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 425 on the basis of the principle "land for peace", the exercise by the Palestinian people of their national and political rights, the solution of the problem of Palestinian refugees in compliance with UN resolutions in particular General Assembly Resolution 194 and Security Council Resolution 237;
4. CALLS UPON all states, international organizations and investment institutions to provide the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction with economic and financial assistance, so that it may exploit and develop the resources of the Palestinian territories and rehabilitate Palestinian national institutions as well as the, infrastructure of the Palestinian national economy damaged by Israeli occupation;
5. CALLS UPON the United Nations and its specialized institutions to exert further efforts in the field of economic development in the occupied Palestinian territories;
6. URGES the implementation of international resolutions on the violations by Israel of General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and of international instruments, including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, with a view to avoiding double standards in the implementation of international resolutions;
7. STRONGLY URGES the United Nations and the international community to ensure full compliance of Israel with the resolutions of the United Nations and those of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA regarding the application of its nuclear installation for peaceful purposes with a view to avoiding double standard in the implementation of international resolutions on the danger of nuclear proliferation;
8. ENDORSES ONCE AGAIN, the proposal made by His Excellency Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, President of the Republic of Egypt to proclaim the Middle East a region free from weapons of mass destruction;
9. INVITES the OAU Secretary-General to monitor the situation in the Middle East and report thereon to the following session of the Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1523 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION
The Council of Ministers of the organization of the African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session, in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of the organization of African unity on the Question as contained in document (CM/1835 (LX),
Recalling the relevant resolutions adopted by previous sessions of the Council of Ministers and the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the question of Palestine,
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the struggle being waged by the Palestinian people under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, their sole legitimate representative, to recover their occupied territories and exercise their inalienable national rights, including the right to return to their homeland, to self-determination and to an independent State with Jerusalem as its capital,
Reaffirming that the attainment of a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the conflict in the Middle East and the Palestinian question which are the root causes of the problem, would greatly contribute to the consolidation of international peace and security.
Welcoming the Declaration of Principles on the arrangements pertaining to Israeli withdrawal and formation of a National Palestinian Authority as well as the Interim Palestinian Autonomous Government, which was signed in both Washington and Cairo by Israel and the Palestine Liberation organization and is now at the initial stage of its implementation,
1. REAFFIRMS that the Palestinian Question is at the core of the Middle East conflict and that a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East calls for:
a) withdrawal of Israel from all the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, including Jerusalem, and recognition of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to return, to self-determination and to establish their independent Palestinian State, with Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions;
b) cessation of all acts of violence against the Palestinian people and the release of all prisoners and detainees in accordance with the agreement between Israel and the PLO, and the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949;
c) the necessity to consider Jerusalem as an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory and to consider its annexation by Israel as illegal, null and void;
d) the cessation of the establishment of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory including Jerusalem.
2. REAFFIRMS the need to solve the problem of Palestinian refugees based on the principles of human rights and in accordance with the provisions of the relevant UN resolutions, particularly General Assembly resolution 194 and Security Council resolution 237;
3. EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION of the efforts exerted by the Palestine Liberation organization, Israel and all the other parties in the bilateral and multilateral talks and encourage them to preservers in their efforts to reach a just and peaceful solution to the Palestinian question;
4. EXPRESSES ITS SUPPORT and endorsement of the Declaration of Principles signed in Washington on 13 September 1993, by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization; and the agreement signed by them on Cairo, on 4 May 1994, regarding Israeli withdrawal and arrangements for the National Palestinian Authority and the establishment of an interim autonomous government, as a first step towards the implementation of the principle of Land for Peace, which should be speedily followed by similar measures through Palestinian and other Arab channels;
5. ENCOURAGES Israel and the PLO to continue the peace process and CALLS ON Israel to take prompt measures to implement the agreements it concluded with the Palestine Liberation Organization within the time frame included in the Declaration of Principle signed in Washington and the Agreement signed in Cairo in 4 May 1994;
6. WELCOMES the formation of the National Palestinian Authority and the interim Palestinian government and calls upon all States and international organizations to help the Palestinian people set up their infrastructure land develop their own economy;
7. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to monitor developments regarding the question of Palestine and report therein to the next session of the OAU Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1524 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON BURUNDI
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Burundi as contained in Document CM/1831 (LIX),
Deeply saddened by the tragic death of H.E. President Cyprien NTARYAMIRA in a plane crash in Kigali, Rwanda, on 6 April, 1994,
Having heard the statement by the Minister of Co-operation of Burundi,
Gravely concerned by the appalling living conditions both of displaced persons within Burundi and of Burundi refugees in the neighboring countries,
Recalling the decision of the Central Organ on 15 March 1994 to reconfigurate, at the request of the Burundi Government, the military component of the OAU Mission in Burundi, OMIB, in order to assist the people of Burundi in regaining confidence and pursuing the process of national reconciliation,
Welcoming the efforts of the OAU to assist Burundi particularly with the establishment of the OMIB:
1. TAKES VOTE of the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Burundi;
2. EXPRESSES its dismay at and profound sympathy for the tragic death of H.E. President Cyprien NTARYAMIRA, President of the Republic of Burundi;
3. COMMENDS the OAU Current Chairman and the OAU and Secretaries-General for all the efforts they have made since the outbreak of the crisis, to defuse tension, promote dialogue and mobilize the necessary resources to mount OMIB;
4. EXPRESSES satisfaction at the arrival in Burundi of the contingents constituting the military component of OMIB and appeals to the people of Burundi, the Army and all the political parties to co-operate and facilitate the task of OMIB, aimed at assisting the people of Burundi regain peace, confidence and security within the framework of national reconciliation;
5. EXPRESSES its profound gratitude to OAU Member States as well as to the international community, including all those States which have provided or pledged assistance for the establishment and operations of OMIB;
6. DECIDES to renew MIOB's mandate for a period of three years with effect from 17 June 1994 and to bear its operational cost, and APPEALS to the international community to provide the mission with financial and logistical support;
7. COMMENDS the governments and people of the neighbouring States for their efforts and contributions in the search of solution to the crisis as well as for providing asylum and assistance to refugees from Burundi, as well as the UNHCR and non-governmental organizations for providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced persons and refugees;
8. APPEALS for urgent and greater humanitarian assistance for the displaced persons in Burundi and the refugees in the neighbouring countries;
9. CALLS ON the political forces, the civilian population and all the people of Burundi to continue to demonstrate a high degree of wisdom and maturity particularly in these crucial moments of re-establishment of the Presidential Institutions;
10. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation in Burundi and report on it as well as on the activities of OMIB, to the next session of council.
CM/Res.1525 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE CRISIS-BETWEEN THE
GREAT JAMAHIRIYA AND THE USA, UK AND FRANCE
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Having heard the statement of the Head of the Delegation of the Great Socialist Peoples' Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the of the Secretary-General and the interventions of delegations on the ongoing crisis between the Great Jamahiriya, on the one hand, and the USA, Britain and France on the other,
Guided by the principles and objectives of U.N and OUA Charters which call on Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force, to settle their conflicts through peaceful means, to respect the independence of all Member States and to refrain from jeopardizing their sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of their peoples,
Recalling the communiqué issued by the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity on 6/12/1991 on the American and British threats leveled at the Great Jamahiriya urging the concerned parties to exercise self-restraint and seek a solution to the problem through dialogue and peaceful means in compliance with the provisions of international law, respect the sovereignty of states and refrain from impeding legal measures,
Referring to Resolution 1457 (LIIX) adopted by the Council of Ministers at its 58th Session held in Cairo from 21-26 June 1993,
Recalling also the communiqué issued by the meeting of the Central Organ for the Prevention, Resolution and Management of conflicts held a Summit level in Cairo on 7/12/1993 that reaffirmed its previous resolution on solidarity with the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in support of its efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to the crisis within the framework of respect for Libyan national sovereignty and the principles of international law,
Taking note of the stand of the Great Jamahiriya which condemns terrorism in all its forms, and denounces those who resort to it or encourage it, and its readiness to cooperate with any, regional or international effort to resolve this problem;
Expressing its appreciation for the positive initiatives made by the Great Jamahiriya to solve the ongoing crisis with the three Western States in accordance with the provisions of international law without compromising respect of its sovereignty,
Expressing also its satisfaction at the acceptance by the Great Jamahiriya of Security Council resolution 731 (1992) and its request to the Security Council to devise a mechanism for its implementation, indicating its full readiness to cooperate in the context of the initiatives and proposals it had made,
Expressing its serious concern over the human and material damages incurred by the Libyan Arab people and neighbouring people, from the coercive measures imposed on it in implementation of Security Council resolution 748 (1992),
Expressing its regret at the rejection by the other parties to the conflict of the initiatives made by the Great Jamahiriya and the regional organizations to find a just and impartial solution to its dispute with the three Western States,
Expressing the necessity for a fair and impartial trial to take place in a third country for the truth to come out and to do justice to the victims and their families,
Reaffirming the dangers posed by the continuation of the Lockerbie crisis, without any solution satisfactory to all the parties, on security and peace in Africa, particularly the areas of North Africa and the Mediterranean:
1. EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION for the declaration by the Great Jamahiriya of its repeated condemnation of terrorism and its full readiness to cooperate, in the context of international efforts, with any party fighting terrorism and working to eradicate it, and commends its self-restraint and the sense of responsibility with which it has addressed the crisis;
2. REAFFIRMS ITS SOLIDARITY with the Great Jamahiriya and recommends that all measures likely, to escalate the tension be averted, since they would adversely affect the Libyan Arab people and the neighboring States;
3. EXPRESSES ITS GRAVE CONCERN at the escalation of the crisis and the threats of additional sanctions and the use of force as a pattern of relations among states, in violation of the Charters of the organization of African Unity and the United Nations as well as international laws and norms;
4. CALLS ON all the parties concerned to commit themselves to the initiatives advocating dialogue and negotiations, with a view to arriving at a peaceful solution to the crisis in conformity with Article (33) of Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter which calls for the resolution of conflicts through negotiations, mediation, and legal settlement. It also calls for a just and fair trial of the suspects in a neutral country agreed upon by all parties concerned;
5. URGES the Security Council to reconsider its resolutions 731/92, 748/92 and 883/93 and lift the embargo imposed on Libya in appreciation of the positive initiatives taken by the Great Jamahiriya in addressing the crisis, and CALLS ON the Security Council to adopt a new resolution securing a fair trial for the suspects in a location agreed upon, and leading to the uncovering of the truth and doing justice to the victims and their families;
6. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to step up efforts in order to find a rapid solution to this crisis and report thereon to the next Session.
CM/Res.1526 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON RESPECT FOR INTERNATIONAL
HUMANITARIAN LAW AND SUPPORT OR HUMANITARIAN
ACTION IN ARMED-CONFLICTS
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretariat on the Information Day jointly organized by the OAU and the ICRC International Humanitarian Law and the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 7 April, 1994, as attached to the report of the OAU Committee of Fifteen on Refugees,
Bearing in mind the recommendations of this sensitization seminar on International Humanitarian Law and the activities of the international Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Gravely concerned by the indiscriminate massacres taking place in the theatres of armed conflict;
Considering that the rules and fundamental principles of international humanitarian law constitute an accepted set of universal values that have not yet been sufficiently implemented,
Anxious to see that international humanitarian law becomes better known to all the people,
Aware of the need to strengthen international solidarity in order to protect the victims of armed conflict,
Expressing support to peace initiatives taken by the 0AU and other organizations to avert armed conflict and relieve tension,
Convinced of the important role played by the humanitarian organizations in protecting and assisting victims in the event of armed conflicts:
1. TAKES NOTE of the recommendations of the OAU/ICRC first seminar organized jointly by the OAU and the ICRC on international humanitarian law held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 7 April, 1994;
2. DEPLORES the fact that the civilian population in general, and women and children in particular, are the main victims of hostilities and of acts of violence perpetrated during armed conflict;
3. AFFIRMS its conviction that respect for the basic rules of international humanitarian law helps not only to relieve the suffering of all the victims and provide them with effective protection, but also to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and the restoration of peace;
4. URGES all Member States and warring parties to provide assistance and protection and to facilitate the action of the humanitarian agents during armed conflicts and to respect the Red Cross, Red Crescent and other humanitarian organization emblems;
5. CONDEMNS the attacks and killings of the staff of humanitarian organizations and URGES Member States and warring parties to insure their safety;
6. INVITES all States that have not yet become party to the instruments listed below to consider, or reconsider, without delay the possibility of doing so in the near future:
a) the two Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949;
b) the Convention of Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate Effects, of 10 October 1980;
c) the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, of 14 May 1954;
7. REQUESTS Member States to educate their population on the fundamental rules and principles of the International Humanitarian Law;
8. PAYS TRIBUTE to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations for their courage, their devotion and the service rendered to the victims of armed conflict and to refugees;
9. INVITES the Secretary-General to strengthen its cooperation with the humanitarian organizations including ICRC in conflict and war situations as well as to promote knowledge of international humanitarian law.
CM/Res. 1527 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE REGIONAL
CONFERENCE ON ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES, RETURNEES
AND DISPLACED PERSONS IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the OAU Secretary-General on the Situation in Burundi (Doc. CM/1831(LX) and Rwanda Doc.CM/1847 (LX),
Having considered the report of the OAU Commission of Fifteen on the Situation of Refugees and Displace Person in Africa,
Preoccupied by the grave crisis currently gripping the region of the Great Lakes,
Referring to Resolution 48/118 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Assistance to Refugees, Returnee Displaced Persons in Africa,
Recalling Resolution CM/Res.1448 (LVIIII) on Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons adopted by the Council of Ministers at its Fifty-eighth Ordinary Session held in Cairo from 21 June, 1993,
Mindful of the fact that there is a need to provide increased assistance to asylum countries, particularly those which have hosted refugees in their territories for a long time, to enable them remedy their deteriorating economy, arrest the degradation of their environment and mitigate the negative effects on public services and the development process,
Convinced of the necessity to co-ordinate the work of humanitarian organizations and provide adequate financial, medical and material assistance to the needy, the most vulnerable groups in particular:
1. TAKES NOTE of the report of the OAU Secretary-General Doc. CM/1831 (LX);
2. COMMENDS the countries of the Great Lakes Region for the sacrifices they are making and for their assistance to refugees;
3. EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION to the continued efforts deployed by the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the OAU in helping the Peoples of Burundi and Rwanda to restore peace and stability and embark on national reconciliation,
4. EXPRESSES its deep concern over the serious repercussions of the presence of such a large number of refugees on the asylum countries;
5. EMPHASIZES the urgent need to convene in Bujumbura Republic of Burundi, a regional conference on Assistance to Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in the Great Lakes Region;
6. REAFFIRMS the importance of the participation in and contribution of UN and OAU Member States to humanitarian efforts, as well as the contribution of ONGs recognized for their effectiveness and commitment in the field of humanitarian assistance;
7. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General in consultation and close co-operation with the appropriate United Nations institutions and agencies and donor countries to examine possible ways and means of financing the conference;
8. URGES the OAU and Member States to take the necessary measures to find a lasting solution to the problem of refugees in the Great Lakes Region;
9. CALLS ON all UN and OAU Member States, as well as the relevant inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations to get involved in the drawing up of the Plan of Action and program of assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in the Great Lakes Region;
10. RECOMMENDS that the said conference be convened in December 1994 at the latest.
11. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to submit a report to the 61st Session of the Council.
CM/Res.1528 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE MOZAMBIQUE PEACE PROCESS
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the recent developments in Southern Africa,
Having also considered the information by the delegation of the Republic of Mozambique on the prevailing situation in Mozambique and in particular the implementation of the General Peace Agreement (GPA),
Noting with satisfaction that the cease-fire is being observed by both parties to the General Peace Agreement and that the cantonment and the demobilization of forces have started,
Underlining the role of the Organization of African Unity and the International Community in the establishment of a durable peace in that country,
The council of ministers:
1. CONGRATULATES the Parties for the progress, so far, achieved in the process of cantonment and demobilization of forces from both sides as well as in the Formation of Mozambican Armed Defense Forces (FADM) and in the preparation of the elections;
2. ENCOURAGES the Parties to continue with the ongoing process of containment and demobilization of the forces in order to ensure its conclusion before the elections;
3. CALLS UPON RENAMO to allow in conformity with GPA free movement in the areas under its control 00 that the voters registration, electoral campaign and economic activities can take place in those areas;
4. APPEALS to all OAU Member States and the International Community to render material, technical and financial support to the Government of Mozambique in order to ensure a successful implementation of the peace process in that country, in particular, for the preparation of elections, the social reintegration of demobilized soldiers, displaced persons and returned refugees as well as the program of national reconstruction;
5. NOTES WITH SATISFACTION that the preparation for elections has reached an advanced stage and welcomes the decree by the President of the Republic of Mozambique proclaiming 27 and 28 October, 1994 as the dates for the first multi-party elections in Mozambique;
6. WELCOMES the invitation addressed to the OAU by the Government of Mozambique to send observers to monitor the 27 – 28 October, 1994 elections in that country;
7. REQUESTS the Secretary -General to follow closely the course of the implementation of the General Peace Agreement of Mozambique and to present a report to the Sixty-first Session of the Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1529 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
AN AFRICAN NUCLEAR FREE ZONE TREATY
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 – 11 June, 1994,
Recalling resolution AHG/Res.11 (1) on the Denuclearization of Africa adopted by the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Cairo in 1964,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions CM/Res.3 (1), CM/Res.28 (11), CM/Res.718 (XXXIII), CM/Res.1101 (XLVI) Rev.l, CM/Res.1342 (LIV) and CM/Res.2395 (LVI) on general disarmament and denuclearization of Africa,
Bearing in mind the relevant resolutions of the Unite Nations on the issue particularly resolution 48/86 of 16 December 1993 on the Establishment of a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in Africa,
Convinced that the development in the regional and international situation is conducive to the implementation of the 1964 Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa as soon as possible,
Taking into account the fact that a draft text of an African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty has been submitted to the Secretary-General by the UN Group of Experts;
Bearing in mind the relevant parts on the issue of the Denuclearization of Africa in the Introduction of the Report of the Secretary-General (CM/1825 (LX) Part I, paragraphs 121 – 125):
1. TAKES NOTE of the relevant paragraph's in the introductory note of the Secretary-General on the question of the denuclearization of Africa;
2. DECIDES to refer the draft text of an African NWFZ Treaty, along with a relevant map of the proposed zone to Member States by the end of November 1994 for comments and observations which should be submitted;
3. DECIDES through an appropriate resolution at the 49th Session of the UN General Assembly to request the Secretary-General of the UN to defer the submission of the text of a Treaty establishing an African Nuclear Weapons Free Zone to the 50th Session of the General Assembly;
4. EXPRESSES APPRECIATION to the United Nations for the technical support and financial assistance rendered in organizing the five meetings of the Group of Experts set up jointly by the OAU and the UN and APPEALS to the United Nations to provide assistance for the organization of the joint meeting mentioned in paragraph 4 below;
5. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to convene in December 1994 in the first instance a meeting of the OAU Inter-Governmental Group of Experts established by resolution CM/Res.1342 (LIV) and in consultation with the UN Secretary-General a joint meeting of the OAU/UN groups of Experts. The two Groups are requested to study the draft text of an African NWFZ Treaty together with the comments and observations of OAU Member States, with a view to submitting a final text of the 62nd ordinary session of the Council.
CM/Res.1530 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE GRANTING OF "A STANDING INVITATION"
TO THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC)
BY THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting at its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Recalling its Resolution CM/Res.1472 (LVIII) adopted at its Fifty-eight Ordinary Session in Cairo, Egypt, following the appeal made by the IOC to build a peaceful and better world through sports,
Further recalling its support for the proclamation 1994 as "the Year of Sport and the Olympic Ideal" in commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the IOC and the active role played by the OAU Member States and the Secretariat this regard,
Recognizing the importance of the IOC's initiative for an Olympic Truce in promoting peace as set forth in the OAU Charter and its fruitful cooperation with Member States' Youth and Sports organizations,
Further Recognizing that the aim of the Olympic Movement is to build a peaceful and better world by educating the youth of the world through sport combined with culture,
Welcoming the African sports movement's involvement in promoting peace and international cooperation,
Recognizing the support given by the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the initiative of the IOC,
Bearing in mind the unanimous adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on 25th October 1993 of resolution A/Res/48/10 entitled "International Year of Sport and the Olympic Ideal" and A/Res/48/11 "Observance of the Olympic Truce":
1. COMMENDS the International Olympic Movement on rallying the youth of the world to the cause of peace;
2. REQUESTS Member States of the OAU to support the request of the IOC for the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly at its Forty-ninth Session of an appropriate resolution granting a "standing invitation" to the IOC;
CM/Res.1531 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE SPECIAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
FUND FOR DROUGHT AND FAMINE IN AFRICA
The council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Having considered the Report of the Secretary-General on the activities and functioning of the Special Emergency Assistance Fund for Drought and Famine in Africa contained in Document CM/184O (LX)
Deeply concerned about the magnitude of drought in Africa and its repercussions on the economic and social development of Member States,
Recalling the aims and objectives of the Special Fund, instrument of active solidarity and cooperation and expression, the will of Africa to control drought and famine,
Deeply concerned about the financial situation of the Fund and the gradual depletion of its resources and the lack of new contributions:
1. TAKES NOTE of the Report of the Secretary-General on the Special Emergency Assistance Fund for Drought and Famine in Africa, contained in Document CM/1840 (LX);
2. APPROVES the recommendations of the Policy Committee of the Special Fund – 1480 Annex II;
3. DECIDES to renew for a period of two years as from the Nineteenth ordinary Session the composition the Policy Committee of the Special Emergency Assistance Fund for Drought and Famine in Africa follows:
Algeria, Angola, Niger, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Namibia.
4. URGENTLY APPEALS to all the Member States to contribute voluntarily to the Fund and to those which made pledges to honor their commitments;
5. REQUESTS the Committee to give priority to any assistance in the form of support to the national activities and programs aimed at mitigating the effects of drought and famine in Africa and henceforth to give greater importance to granting of loans in accordance with the Status of the Fund;
6. REQUESTS Member States to submit implementation reports on projects financed by the Fund if they have not already done so;
7. REITERATES its appeal to the International Community including governments, governmental and non-governmental organizations and business persons to contribute to the Special Fund;
8. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to continue to report to Council on the activities and the situation of the Fund.
CM/Res.1532 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE FOLLOW-UP OF THE
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ASSISTANCE
TO AFRICAN CHILDREN (ICAAC)
The Council of Ministers of the organization of African Unity meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the follow-up of the International Conference on Assistance to African Children (ICAAC) as contained in Document CM/1842 (LX)
Recalling resolutions CM/Res. 1350 (LIV) on the Implementation of the African Decade for Child Survival, Protection and Development; CM/Res. 1408 (LIV) and CM/Res. 1464 (LVIII) on the International Conference on Assistance to African Children; And CM/Res. 1468 (LVIII) on the Pan-African Conference on Girls Education,
Further recalling the adoption of the Bamako Initiative aimed at providing primary health care to women and children, on the basis of community participation,
Guided by the World Summit for children Declaration and Plan of Action, as well as by the consensus of Dakar and its Plan of Action, adopted by the OAU Council of Ministers in June, 1993 in Cairo, Egypt,
Concerned with the urgent need to improve the situation of the Girl Child and that of Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances,
Aware of the fact that as a result of conflicts, recurrent drought and natural disasters the African children continue to suffer from the effects of malnutrition and extreme poverty,
Recalling that the International Conference on Nutrition called for the iodination of salt for both human and livestock consumption as the most effective long range measure for correcting iodine deficiency while the African Regional Nutrition strategy (1993-2003) as approved by the OAU Heads of State and Government in June, 1993 called for the virtual elimination of iodine deficiencies,
Noting that salt is a major commodity in international and inter-African trade and its iodination has proven to be the most cost-effective approach for eliminating iodine deficiency disorders,
Aware that Africa can effectively ensure its future existence and development through its children's mental and physical well-being:
1. REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT to achieve the mid-decade goals (MDGs) agreed upon in the Consensus of Dakar;
2. URGES Member States to make special efforts to adopt and implement National Programs of Action for children and women, with particular emphasis on achieving health and nutrition goals as set forth in the African Regional Strategy on Nutrition (;C03-2000) by the end of 1995;
3. FURTHER URGES Member States which have not done so, to ratify the LYN Convention on the Rights of the child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and to implement them by establishing appropriate national mechanisms for their implementation;
4. REITERATES ITS SUPPORT to the Ouagadougou Declaration on the Education of Girls and its inclusion on the Agenda of the 1995 World Conference on Women;
5. CALLS ON Member States to pursue the implementation of programs adopted by the Organization, such as the Bamako Initiative, in order to achieve the health for all goal by the year 2000;
6. Recommends that before the end of 1995:
i) each member government will ensure that salt exported to any other African country for use by people or animals will be iodized at standards recommended by the WHO, the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and the UNICEF;
ii) each member government which imports salt for its own use, or for trans-shipment to neighboring countries will ensure that the salt is adequately iodized;
iii) each member government shall enact national legislation, regulations or other suitable measures necessary to enforce and monitor the steps enumerated above.
7. APPEALS to the donor community to extend adequate financial and technical assistance to the OAU Member Countries during the implementation process of the mid-term goals with a view to strengthening the institutional capacity and fulfilling manpower requirements;
8. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of this Resolution to the 61st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1533 (LX)
RESOLUTION 0N SETTING UP FOLLOW-UP MECHANISMS
FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE MID-DECADE_GOALS
EMANATING FROM THE CONSENSUS OF DAKAR
AS WELL AS THE GOALS SET FOR THE
YEAR 2000 EMANATING FROM THE WORLD
DECLARATION ON CHILD SURVIVAL,
PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE 1990s
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia from 6 – 11 June 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the outcome of the International Conference on Assistance to African Children (CM/1841 (LX)),
Recalling that the 1990s have been declared the African Decade for Child Survival, Protection and Development,
Recalling further the provisions of resolution CM/Res.1950 (LIV) on the implementation of the objectives of the aforementioned decade,
Bearing in mind the unanimous adoption of the Consensus of Dakar which recommends the achievement and follow-up Of fundamental objectives of which six mid-decade ones are to be reached by 1995, and five main ones by the year 2000,
Bearing in mind the commitment made by African leaders at the World Summit for children and during the adoption of the Consensus of Dakar,
Noting with concern the constraints hindering the implementation of national programs of action and the achievement of the mid-decade goals set for 1995,
Deeply concerned at the persistent high rate of infant mortality in a number of African countries and at the growing population of children under five suffering from malnutrition on the continent:
1. REQUESTS Member States to set up national, regional and local follow-up mechanisms for the achievement of the mid-decade goals;
2. URGES Member States to celebrate every year the National Child Day on 16 June that provides an opportunity to follow-up the achievement of the mid-decade goals and evaluate the progress made at the national and local levels with respect to the survival, protection and development of the child.
CM/Res.1534 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE NEW APPROACH AND
METHODOLOGY TO PROMOTE AFRICAN UNITY
WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE AFRICAN
ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Recalling the objectives of the OAU Charter and the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community,
Recalling the conclusions of the Monrovia Colloquium on Africa's Development Prospects by the Year 2000 (February 1979),
Recalling Resolution CM/Res.1352 (LIV) adopted at it's 54th Ordinary Session (Abuja, May, 1991) regarding the establishment of OAU national associations,
Recalling Resolution AHG/Res.215 (XXVIII) adopted by the 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and. Government relating to the role of African Universities in the development of the continent,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General (Doc. CM/1812 (LX):
1. REAFFIRMS that African Unity and economic integration are vital to the continent in the light of the important changes making place in the world;
2. URGES Member States, African inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, youth, women, workers and sports associations as well as economic operators, universities, schools and the media to work towards educating and sensitizing Africa's public opinion for the edification of the African Economic Community and the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace;
3. CALLS ON Member States to:
a) prepare radio and television programs in national languages to sensitize the rural populations on the need for regional and Pan-African integration;
b) Solemnly commemorate May 25, date of the establishment of the OAU, proclaimed as "Africa Day", if this is not yet being done;
c) Commemorate every 12 November, date of the establishment of African Universities Association as "African University Day";
4. TAKES NOTE of the program proposed by the Secretary-General (Document CM/1812 (LX) and REQUESTS the Secretariat to come up with implementable action program at Pan-African, regional and national levels taking into account complementary suggestions made by the council;
5. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to submit to it at its 62nd ordinary Session, a report on the progress so far made in the implementation of the program and the present resolution.
CM/Res.1535 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE ELABORATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION IN THOSE COUNTRIES
EXPERIENCING SERIOUS DROUGHT AND/OR DESERTIFICATION
PARTICULARLY IN AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia from 6 – 11 June 1994,
Recalling Resolution CM/Res.1508 (LIX) on the International Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, adopted by the Fifty-ninth Ordinary Session held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 31 January to 4 February 19941,
Recalling also Resolutions CM/Res.1462 (LVIII) adopted by the Fifty-seventh Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers on the Status of the INCD negotiations and Africa's preparatory process; as well as Resolution CM/Res.1438 (LVII) adopted by the Fifty-seventh Ordinary Session of the Council on the same subject,
Further recalling Resolution 47/188 of 22 December, 1992 of the United Nations General Assembly on the establishment of the INCD,
Aware of the difficulties that the African Group encountered in the INCD process especially during the Third Session of the INCD negotiations held in New York from 17-28 January 1994 as well as during the Fourth Session held in Geneva from 21-31 -March, 1994, particularly on the polarization of views between the South and the North on issues of critical and strategic concern to the African Region,
Conscious of the need for African countries to coordinate their approach, harmonize their views and ensure that Africa's interests are adequately articulated and defended during the Paris Round of Negotiations,
Reaffirming the need to maintain the priority given to Africa in conformity with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/188 on INCD to initiate negotiations on a Convention to combat desertification especially in Africa and the Implementation Annex for Africa and the need to establish interim arrangements to allow for a prompt start of the implementation of the provisions of the African Annex:
1. TAKES NOTE WITH SATISFACTION of the Report of the Secretary General on the INCD;
2. COMMENDS the OAU General Secretariat for the quality of its report on the negotiations relating to the Convention, and the efforts deployed in coordinating and harmonizing the views of the African region during the last four sessions of the INCD Fund;
3. REQUESTS the General Secretariat to continue to provide technical assistance to the African Group during INCD meetings, especially during and after the Paris negotiations;
4. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to take appropriate steps, as part of the execution of the International Convention and the implementation annex for Africa to establish institutional/operational links with regional economic communities (AMU, ECOWAS, ECCAS, SADC, PTA) and inter-governmental institutions (CILSSI, and IGADD) in accordance with the objectives of the African Economic Community;
5. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU in collaboration with the Joint Secretariat (ADB/UNEP/UNDP-UNSO/ECA to monitor the implementation of the Regional Annex for Africa, the Convention and all other Rio decisions;
6. RENEWS ITS SUPPORT to the African Group entrusted with responsibility of defending the African position to maintain its cohesion and unity in order to safeguard the interests of the Region;
7. FURTHER CALLS UPON the African Group to insist on the establishment of an identifiable financial package and institutional structure for the implementation of the Convention in general and African Annex in particular as well as the location of the Secretariat of the Convention in Africa;
8. WELCOMES the decision of UNDP to support development of Countries Strategies and policies for combating drought and desertification with a view to integrating such strategies and policies into the overall sustainable human development plans as well as helping countries to mobilize resources in support of these plans and design projects that will facilitate their implementation;
9. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to establish Consultative links with the UNDP Administrator with a view to ensuring that the African region derives maximum benefit from the new orientation of the UNDP on combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought.
10. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to follow the development of the negotiations and submit a report on the Paris Session and the conclusions of the negotiations to %the Sixty-first Ordinary Session of the Council.
11. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to expeditiously transmit the text of this Resolution to the African Group of negotiators at the 5th Session of INCD in Paris.
CM/Res.1536 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEVENTEENTH
ORDINARY SESSION OF THE OAU LABOR COMMISSION
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the Report of the Secretary-General on the Proceedings of the Seventeenth Ordinary session of the OIAU Labor Commission (Doc.CM/1819 (LX),
Recalling resolution LC/Res. 163 (XIV) which recommended the transformation of the Commission into a tripartite organ as well as Resolution LC/Res.1410 (LVI) on the Strengthening of Tripartism in Africa,
Further recalling Resolution CM/Res.1410 (LVI) which, among other things, invited Member States to respect the principle of tripartism in the OAU Labor Commission, in the ILO Meetings as well as at national level,
Cognizant of the concerns expressed in Declaration AHG/DECL.l (XXVII) by the Twenty-Seventh Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the Employment Crisis in Africa:
1. TAKES NOTE of the Report of the Secretary-General on the proceedings of the Seventeenth Ordinary Session of the OAU Labor Commission;
2. REITERATES its appeal to Member States to respect and implement the principle of tripartism, not only when constituting delegations to the OAU Labor Commission, the International Labor Conference and other ILO Meetings, but also at national level;
3. CALLS UPON the ILO to increase technical and material assistance to Member States as well as to the Pan-African Employers Confederation (PEC), and the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) in order to strengthen their roles in the promotion of tripartism in Africa;
4. APPEALS to those countries which have not yet done so, not only to ratify the Agreement establishing the African Rehabilitation Institute (ARI) as a sign of commitment to and solidarity with the disabled, but also to pay their assessed contributions to the Institute;
5. URGES Member States which have not yet done so to ratify the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the child, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the ILO Convention No. 138 concerning minimum Age for Admission to Employment;
6. INVITES Member States to ensure their effective participation in the Regional Conference on Youth, to be held in January 1995, under the theme "African Youth in the 1990s and Beyond: Peace Participation and Development;
7. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to solicit and contribution of UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, UNFPA, ILO, UNDCP, UNCSDHA, UNAFRI and other interested organizations in the preparation and successful holding of the Regional Conference on Youth;
8. ENDORSES the decision of the Sixteenth Session of the OAU Labor Commission to maintain the problem of employment situation in Africa on the Agenda of the Labor Commission;
9. APPEALS to the Director-General of ILO to ensure that Africa is not marginalized in the personnel structure of the Organization and that Africa's quota in the Cabinet of the Organization and higher echelons of management is increased.
CM/Res.1537 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON AFRICA'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE
FORTHCOMING WORLD SUMMIT ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the Report of the Secretary-General on Africa's contribution to the forthcoming World summit on social Development, as contained in Document CM/1842 (XL),
Recalling resolution LC/Res.202 (XVII) on the African Common Position on the World Summit for Social Development, adopted by the Seventeenth Ordinary Session of the OAU Labor Commission,
Further recalling the Declaration on Building Sustainable Societies adopted by the Global Forum on the Role of NGOs in Emergencies and Social Development held in Addis Ababa in March 1994:
Convinced that unless poverty, unemployment and social disintegration are tackled as pressing worldwide priorities, Africa will not be able to reverse the significant deterioration in human welfare:
1. CONGRATULATES the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Human Development for the elaboration and adoption of the African Common Position;
2. COMMENDS the Seventeenth Ordinary session of the OAU Labor Commission for having adopted the document on one African Common Position on Social Development in Africa;
3. WELCOMES the World Summit for Social Development as a unique and timely opportunity to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the international community to put the people at the center of development and international cooperation as well as to seek political consensus to forge concrete and practical agreement thereon by the international community;
4. CALLS UPON Member States to participate effectively in the meetings of the Preparatory Committee for the Summit, other preparatory activities leading to the Summit to be represented at the highest political level, and at the Summit itself as well as to ensure that the African Common Position is taken into account in the Declaration and Program of Action of the Summit in order to ensure that the legitimate interests of Africa are appropriately taken care of;
5. URGES Member States to implement the agenda for Human and Social Development in Africa, as contained in the African Common Position;
6. EXPRESSES ITS SATISFACTION at the initiatives and actions taken by the First Ladies in favor of rural women in the light of the Geneva and Brussels meetings;
7. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU, in, collaboration with the ECA, ILO and ADB, to establish a regional follow-up mechanism for the implementation of the decisions of the World Summit, with the active involvement and participation of other interested social partners;
8. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to submit a progress report on the activities undertaken in the implementation of this resolution to the 62nd Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1538 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE OUTCOME OF
THE YOKOHAMA WORLD CONFERENCE ON
NATURAL DISASTER REDUCTION
The Council of Ministers of the organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Recalling its previous resolutions on natural disasters, particularly, Resolution CM/Res.1499 (LIX) relating to Africa's preparation and participation in the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction (Yokohama, Japan, 23-27 May 1994),
Recalling further Resolution 42/169 of the United Nations General Assembly on the International Decade on Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR),
Recalling Resolution 773 (XXIX) of the Conference of African Ministers in-charge of Economic Development and Planning,
Having taken note of the report on the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction (Yokohama, 23-27 May 1994), presented by the Secretary-General (Doc. CM/1849 (LX)),
Expressing satisfaction at the level of collaboration which has been established among the OAU, ECA, IDNDR and UNEP Secretariats within the context of Africa's preparation and during the Conference,
1. TAKES NOTE with satisfaction the outcome of the Yokohama World Conference;
2. ENDORSES "The Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World: Directives for Natural Disaster Reduction, Preparedness and Mitigation";
3. CONGRATULATES Member States which participated in the Conference and COMMENDS them for efforts deployed to reflect Africa's concerns in the final documents of the Conference;
4. CONGRATULATES the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, and in particular the General Secretariat of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction for the achievements of the Conference, and EXPRESSES its gratitude for having made possible the participation of several States from the African region;
5. EXHORTS all OAU Member States to take the necessary steps, particularly during the forthcoming Session of the Economic and Social Council and the 49th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, to ensure that the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, through the Secretariat of the Decade, is provided with the indispensable resources that will enable it to implement the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World, for the benefit of the African region;
6. CALLS ON the Director of the Decade to take necessary measures, in close collaboration with the OAU and ECA, as well as all other interested institutions, to effectively implement the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action in the African region;
7. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to consider organizing, in collaboration with the Decade Secretariat, and. ECA, a workshop with a view to implementing the Yokohama Plan of Action and other practical measures of interest to Africa;
8. CALLS ON the OAU Secretary-General to submit, in collaboration with the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the United Nations Environment Program, a report to the 62nd Ordinary Session of the Council on the implementation of this Resolution.
CM/Res.1539 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON AFRO-ARAB COOPERATION
The council of ministers of the Organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary -General on Afro-Arab Cooperation contained in Document CM/1844 (LX),
Bearing in mind the Declaration and Programs of Action adopted by the First Afro-Arab Summit, held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt from 7 to 9 March l977,
Recalling Resolution CM/Res.1210 (L) of July 1989 on the Programs of Afro-Arab Cooperation,
Considering that the cooperation in the field of business, economic and trade activities in the private sector constitutes an essential element for strengthening Afro-Arab relations,
Recalling further the important role that Trade Fairs can play in the strengthening of economic, trade and investment activities between the two entities,
Taking note with satisfaction of the recommendations of the First Afro-Arab Trade Fair Evaluation Committee,
Determined to promote Afro-Arab cooperation in all fields:
1. TAKES NOTE of the report of the Secretary-General on Afro-Arab Cooperation;
2. UNDERSCORES the need to boost Afro-Arab Cooperation in all areas in the light of the new regional and international developments;
3. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to pursue in cooperation with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States the activities initiated for the implementation of the programs already adopted, particularly the program pertaining to cooperation in the field of information, the take-off of the Afro-Arab Cultural Institute, etc… ;
4. EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE to the Government of Algeria for its renewed invitation to host in Algiers the 12th Session of the Standing Commission on Afro-Arab Cooperation;
5. TAKES NOTE of the readiness of the Egyptian Government to host the First Afro-Arab Business Week;
6. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to pursue his consultations with his counterpart of the League of Arab States and the Egyptian Government with a view to organizing as soon as possible this important event in collaboration with the United Nations Economic commission for Africa and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (UNESCWA);
7. REQUESTS all the Member States to participate actively in the different aspects of the Afro-Arab Business Week and to take the necessary steps to give the widest publicity possible to this event;
6. APPROVES the recommendations of the Evaluation Committee on the First Afro-Arab Trade Fair;
9. EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE to the Government of the Republic of Tunisia for the excellent facilities provided, which contributed to the success of this all important Afro-Arab event;
10. ACCEPTS WITH GRATITUDE the kind offer of the Republic of South Africa to host the Second Afro-Arab Trade Fair.
CM/Res.1540 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE GRANTING OF OAU OBSERVER
STATUS TO THE AFRICAN SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL
AND COMPARATIVE LAW
The Council of Ministers of the organization of African Unity meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Having considered Document CM/1845 (LX) on the Request for OAU Observer Status submitted by the African Society if International and Comparative Law,
Considering the importance of the objectives of the African Society of International and Comparative Law for Africa, particularly in the fields of international law, the protection of public liberties and the improvement of the administration of justice,
Considering that the request submitted by the African Society of International and Comparative Law is in conformity with the established criteria:
1. TAKES NOTE of the Report of the Secretary-General on the matter, Document CM/1845 (LX);
2. DECIDES to grant the OAU observer Status, Category C, to the African Society of International and Comparative Law.
CM/Res.1541 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE GRANTING OF THE OAU
OBSERVER STATUS TO THE AFRICAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
The Council of Ministers of Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Having considered Document CM/1846 (LX) on the Request for OAU Observer Status submitted by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS),
Considering the importance of the objectives of the African Academy of Sciences, particularly the promotion and coordination of scientific and technological research in Africa and the dissemination of the results of this research,
Considering that the request submitted by the African Academy of Sciences is in conformity with established criteria:
1. TAKES NOTE of the Report of the Secretary-General on this matter, Document CM/1846 (LX);
2. DECIDES to grant the OAU observer Status, Category C, to the African Academy of Sciences.
CM/Res.1542 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON AIDS AND THE CHILD IN AFRICA
CALL FOR ACTION
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the organization of African Unity, meeting in its Thirtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, from 13 to 15 June, 1994,
Considering document ECAMH/1 (III) on AIDS and the Child in Africa,
Recalling the Dakar Declaration AHG/Dec. 1 (XXVIII) on the AIDS Epidemic in Africa and Resolution AHG/Res.223 (XXIX) on the AIDS Epidemic in Africa: Progress Report and Guidelines for Action,
Recalling further Resolutions CM/Res.1165 (XLVIII), CM/Res.1302 (LII) of the Council of Ministers of 1988 and 1990 respectively and Resolutions CAMH/Res. 11 (11), CAMH/Res. 6 (111) and CAMH/Res.6 (IV) Rev.1 of the Conference of African Ministers of Health in Africa and Declaration AHG/Dec.3 (XXVIT) on the Current African Health Crisis adopted in Abuja,
Realizing that the child is the future of the continent, but that AIDS will limit the countries' efforts to ensure child survival, protect the rights of the child and provide for an educated cohort particularly with regard to moral and ethical values, to ensure Africa's development,
Recognizing that the AIDS epidemic as well as accompanying opportunistic illness such as tuberculosis which continues to seriously undermine health and development efforts in Africa, poses immediate and long term problems for the child in Africa,
Aware that over 60 percent of HIV infected persons are young people and that all children born to infected parents will be either infected or affected as orphans, and subject to psychosocial, educational, health and economic consequences:
1. COMMENDS Member States for the immediate and lasting measures taken to limit the spread of this pandemic and EXHORTS them to make sustained efforts towards the total eradication of this disease and address the issue of the Child in Africa within the context of the Plan of Action contained in the document under reference;
2. CALLS ON all Member States to consider the implementation of sex education programs with special emphasis on AIDS in the curricula of pre-teen schools as essential part of the AIDS Prevention Education Program;
3. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General in close cooperation with African Ministries of Health, to ensure the implementation and evaluation of this Call for Action in collaboration with WHO and other relevant agencies, including, when appropriate, the Joint Co-sponsored UN Program on HIV/AIDS;
4. INVITES the Secretary-General in collaboration with Member States to facilitate regular and appropriate exchange of information between States on policies, strategies, effective interventions and lessons learned in the fight against AIDS as well as to explore mechanisms such as sub-regional or inter-country meetings or visits to share information with a view to finding a solution to common or similar problems;
5. REQUESTS FURTHER the 0AU Secretary-General, in collaboration with the UN Secretary-General and the Director-General of WHO, to actively and urgently mobilize resources in order to finance the Action Agenda as contained in document ECAMH/l (III) on AIDS and the Child in Africa within the context of the Progress Report and Guidelines for Action (AHG/Res.223 (XXIX);
6. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to report to the Council every two years on the progress that has been made.
CM/Res.1543 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE FINANCING MECHANISMS
AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL
INDUSTRIES, FACTOR OF PAN-AFRICA
INTEGRATION
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Guided by the relevant provisions of the Treaty Establishing the African. Economic Community adopted by the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, on 3 June 1991,
Recalling resolution CM/Res. 1411 (LVI) adopting the Plan of Action on Cultural Industries, Factor of Development in Africa, known as the Dakar Plan of Action submitted to Council in June 1992 in Dakar, Senegal,
Expressing satisfaction at the adoption of the Framework Cultural Agreement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by which Member States of this organization clearly expressed their political will to promote cultural product exchanges as factors of regional and Pan-African integration,
Desirous to see this agreement translated into an operation program,
Considering the provisions of resolution AMCED/Res.15/93 on Cooperation between the OAU and African Cultural NGOs adopted by the Ministerial Conference on Education, Culture and Development organized in Cotonou, Benin, in August 1993 by the OAU, ECA and UNESCO,
Bearing in Mind the relevant recommendations formulated by the International workshop on the Financing Mechanisms and Development Strategies for Cultural Industries of the ECOWAS Space, held in Dakar, Senegal, from 1 to 4 January 1993, at the initiative of the Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Culture and Cultural Industries (ASEPIC) , with the assistance of the Senegalese Government,
Gratified that the 27th UNESCO General Assembly approved these recommendations in November 1993 as part of its contribution to the implementation of the Dakar Plan of Action:
1. NOTES WITH SATISFACTION the recommendations of the Dakar International Workshop to establish, within a purely Pan-African context;
– a Regional Fund for the Development of Cultural Industries in West Africa;
– a Multi-national Company for the Production and Distribution of Cultural Products with integrationist vocations;
– a Technical Support Project for the Promotion of Cultural Industries of ECOWAS Member States with a view to boosting promoters capacities in management, trade policies and professional training;
2. CONSIDERS these projects as a cultural and regional contribution to the realization of the African Economic Community especially through the implementation of the Dakar Plan of Action;
3. RECOMMENDS that initiatives be jointly undertaken by the OAU and the Permanent Secretariat of the Dakar International Workshop follow-up Committee towards door institutions (ADB, EU, UNEP, UNIDO, UNESCO, ISESCO, etc) with a view to securing their technical and financial contribution for the implementation of these projects;
4. CALLS ON the Member States concerned and interested to take appropriate steps to involve ECOWAS, OAU, ECA and ADB in the feasibility study phase of these projects;
5. CALLS ON OAU Member States to take out international patents on their cultural artifacts in order to protect those products and the cultural Artisans;
6. FURTHER CALLS ON the Cultural Division of ECOWAS, the Cultural Department of SADC, the Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Cultural Industries, the Congolese Company for the Development of Cultural Industries as well as all competent or interested national, regional or Pan-African structures to initiate contacts, exchange their experiences and cooperate actively with the regional economic communities towards the implementation of the OAU Plan of Action on Cultural Industries;
7. ENCOURAGES in this regard, the establishment of cultural development units within regional economic communities where such units do not exist pursuant to the relevant provisions of the First and Second Conferences of African Ministers of Culture;
8. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to encourage the establishment of structures for the promotion of cultural industries in Member States and to coordinate the activities of all African institutions concerned by the implementation of the Dakar Plan of Action;
9. COMMENDS the Government of Senegal and other participants for their invaluable contribution towards the organization and conclusions of the Dakar International Workshop as part of the implementation of the Dakar Plan of Action.
CM/Res.1544 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Noting with satisfaction that for the first time in the history of the United Nations Food and Agriculture organization, the OAU's candidate has been elected Director-General of this important Organization, thanks to Africa's cohesion and unity of action,
Recalling the ties of close cooperation existing between the OAU and FAO in the field of food and agriculture,
Recalling Resolution AHG/Res.224 (XXIX) of Twenty-ninth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the regional Strategy on Food and Nutrition,
Taking Note of the proposals of the Director-General aimed at revitalizing the FAO as well as strengthening its performance base in two areas of particular importance to Africa, namely: food, security and control of trans-border animal and crop pests and diseases:
1. EXTENDS its sincere congratulations to Mr. Jacques Diouf on his brilliant election and CONVEYS to him best wishes for success at the head of the FAO;
2. PAYS TRIBUTE Member States and COMMENDS the OAU Secretary-General for their active support and concerted efforts which contributed to the success of Africa's candidate;
3. URGES the Governments of OAU Member States and African inter-governmental organizations to support the FAO in the implementation of the programs proposed by the Director-General;
4. APPEALS to all funding and investment institutions, foundations, NGO's and the private sector to support and contribute to FAO programs;
5. ENDORSES the proposal of the FAO Director-General to organize a World Summit on Food and Security in 1996, and assures him of the support of OAU Member States.
CM/Res.1545 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE PARTICIPATION OF
MEMBER STATES IN THE SIXTH AFRICAN
GAMES IN ZIMBABWE
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Considering the primary role of sports as an integral part of man's development and an undisputed factor in bringing people together,
Anxious to promote a credible and worthy African sportsmen/sportswomen elite with high international standards in the field of sports,
Convinced that in order to gradually attain the needed standards for our sportsmen and sportswomen it is vital that the best African athletes participate periodically in friendly and multi-disciplinary competitions such as the Olympic games,
Considering that in this regard, the African Games held every four years constitute the ideal meeting aimed at developing sporting and cultural exchanges among member countries and promoting progress in African sports,
Conscious of the contribution of sports to the promotion of peace and understanding among OAU Member States,
Bearing in mind the decision of the Fifty-second Ordinary Session of the OAU Council of Ministers regarding OAU`s sponsorship and support for the African Games,
Determined to end the exodus of African sportsmen to foreign countries and tire ever-increasing tendency of the sportsmen and sportswomen to turn away from African competitions preferring international competitions which they deem to be more financially profitable,
Considering the efforts and enormous sacrifices made by the Republic of Zimbabwe to host the African Youths Games in 1995 under the best conditions possible:
1. CALLS ON Member States to contribute individually and/or collectively towards the success of the Sixth African Games to be held in Zimbabwe from 13 to 23 September 1995;
2. REQUESTS Member States to particularly ensure the participation of their renowned sportsmen, women and star teams in the various disciplines in order to raise the technical standard and quality of the events, thus contributing to the improvement of Africa's competitiveness in world events;
3. COMMENDS the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe for its laudable efforts aimed at giving the African Youths, Sports and Cultural Festival all the publicity and glamour it deserves;
4. EXHORTS the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa to intensify its efforts to make sports in general and the African Games in particular one of the means of fostering unity, understanding and brotherhood in Africa;
5. PLEDGES to give as much as possible the requisite moral, political and material support to the African Sports Movement.
CM/Res.1546 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE KAMPALA ACTION PLAN ON
WOMEN AND PEACE
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11-June, 1994,
Having considered the report on the Regional Conference on Women and Peace held in Kampala, Uganda from 22 to 25 November, 1993 and the annexed Kampala Action on Peace that was presented by the Government of the Republic of Uganda in Document CM/1824 (LX) Add.4,
Having examined the Kampala Action Plan on Women and Peace that was adopted by the Regional Conference,
Recalling Resolution CM/Res. 1465 (LVIII) on Enhancing the Role and Contribution of African Women to Political and Socio-Economic Development adopted by the 59th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in June 1993 in Cairo, Egypt,
Further Recalling the recommendations of the Arusha and Nairobi Forward Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women in Africa, the Abuja Declaration 116 or Popular Participatory Development: The Role of Women in the 1990s, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Treaty Establishing the African Economic community,
Guided by the Declaration adopted by the 29th Assembly of Heads of State and Government establishing within the OAU, a Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution,
Cognizant of Africa's role and contribution to the Global Platform of Action on the principal issues of Equality, Development and Peace to be adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in September, 1995,
Conscious of the fact that without the active and full participation of women there cannot be any meaningful, sustainable and balanced development,
Recognizing that women have an important role to play in the peace-making efforts of our-Continent:
1. TAKES NOTE of the report contained in Document CM/1824 (LX) Add.4;
2. REAFFIRMS OAU's commitments to the promotion of the economic, political social and cultural empowerment of women;
3. COMMENDS the Government of the Republic of Uganda for the convening of the Regional Conference on Women and Peace, as well as all those Organizations, Institutions and NGOs which assisted in making the Conference a success;
4. REQUESTS the Fifth Regional conference on Women scheduled for Dakar, Senegal, in November 1994 to carefully, examine the Kampala Plan of Action and to interpret it into the platform of the Fourth World Conference on women stated for Beijing, China, in September 1995;
5. FURTHER RECOMMENDS that the Action Plan be an integral part of the Political Declaration articulating Africa's Common Position as called for in Resolution CM/Res.1465 (LVIII) of Cairo, Egypt, 1993;
6. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU to strengthen the structures and mechanisms in the General Secretariat in order to enable it monitor effectively and evaluate women's contribution to peace and development programs of the OAU as well as promote women's concerns in Africa;
7. CALLS ON Member States to incorporate the recommendations of the Kampala Action Plan into their respective national programs;
8. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General in close collaboration with the UN Economic Commission for Africa and other UN Agencies, African and non-African NGOs to promote women's empowerment through concrete action, policies and programs;
9. FURTHER CALLS ON the Secretary-General to submit an interim report on the implementation of this resolution.
CM/Res.1547 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON COOPERATION BETWEEN
THE ACP COUNTRIES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Considering the multilateral and bilateral agreements between the European Union and OAU Member States on the one hand, and between the European Union and the ACP countries, on the other,
Considering the serious crisis besetting Third World countries in general, and African countries in particular,
Convinced that in order to attain a satisfactory level of development, African countries need external assistance to back up their own efforts,
Considering that the Agreement concluded between seventy African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and twelve countries of the European Union, known as the Lome Convention, constitutes an effective instrument for North/South cooperation,
Convinced that South/South cooperation, especially intra-ACP cooperation, is a vital instrument for achieving sustainable development:
1. TAKES NOTE of the willingness of the parties concerned to strengthen their cooperation with the European Union;
2. CALLS ON the ACP side to vigorously pursue, with vigilance, negotiations regarding the second phase of Lome IV;
3. EXPRESSES THE DESIRE to see the outcome of the negotiations contribute significantly to the on-going economic reform efforts in ACP countries;
4. REQUESTS that adequate resources be provided especially for promoting cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science and technology, as part of the implementation of the Convention;
5. REQUESTS each OAU Member State concerned to give to its representatives at the negotiations, the necessary directives to facilitate the implementation of this resolution;
6. CALLS ON the OAU and ACP Secretariats to closely co-operate in order to enhance the interests of the African Group within the Lome arrangements.
CM/Res.1548 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON AFRICA CENTER
The Council of-Ministers of the Organization of African Unity meeting in its Sixtieth ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6-11 June, 1994,
Having considered report CM/1824 (LX) Add.8 on the role that the Africa Center in London has played and continues to play in projecting the image of Africa abroad, especially in Europe,
Concerned by the fact that despite Africa's positive achievements in all fields of human endeavor, the continent continues to be viewed in negative terms,
Observing that a number of countries and regional groups have set up institutions and organizations in Europe and elsewhere to heighten public awareness and understanding of their societies and cultures;
Taking into account the positive contribution that the Africa Center has made to the cause of Africa and bearing in mind the need to intensify these efforts as expressed in its now program initiatives of raising its profile and promoting African arts, culture and opinion through appropriate programs:
1. WELCOMES the significant initiatives of the Africa Center and its invaluable role in projecting a better image of Africa to the rest of the world;
2. CALLS ON Member States, African businessmen as well as cultural institutions in Africa to provide all possible assistance to the Africa Center to enable it attain its objectives;
3. APPEALS to the international community, in the light of the purposes and objectives of the World Cultural Development Decade (1988-1997), to do all it can to support the Africa Center in the pursuit of its objectives.
CM/Res.1549 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
The Council of Ministers of the organization of African unity, meeting in its sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Recalling Declaration AHG/Dec.1 (XXIII) on Health as a Foundation for development,
Further recalling Declaration AHG/Decl.3 (XXVII) on the Current Health Crisis in Africa,
Recalling the contribution of the World Health organization which stipulates that health constitutes a basic right of every human being,
Asserting the imperative need to attain the objective of Health For All by the year 2000 launched by the Thirtieth World Health Assembly in 1977,
Taking into consideration the Alma Ata Declaration on the Promotion of Primary Health Care,
Bearing in mind the report of the meeting of the special multi-disciplinary group of WHO on health and development policies held in New York: from 7 to 9 December, 1993,
Considering the Lagos Plan of Action for the economic development of Africa which, in Chapter V proposes the strengthening of national organs responsible for health and hygiene policies,
Also bearing in mind the Accra Initiative of December 1991 which underscored the close relation between economic development and health especially that of the most vulnerable groups,
Concerned about the heavy interests at stake in the world Social Development Summit scheduled to be held in Copenhagen in March 1995 and the need for Member States to bring a positive contribution:
1. CALLS UPON Member States to consider health as an indicator and integral part of their economic development;
2. RECOMMENDS each Member State to set out policies, strategies and programs for the promotion and improvement of the health of the populations in disadvantaged urban and rural areas;
3. FURTHER RECOMMENDS to member states to improve the efficacy and modernize traditional non-western medicine as a means of supplementing the Health Delivery Programs to the rural areas;
4. EXHORTS Member States to pay particular attention to and consider as a matter of priority the health of the most vulnerable group especially children, women and the elderly;
5. ENCOURAGES Member States to exchange their experiences in the areas of health policies, training and information;
6. ALSO CALLS UPON Member States to coordinate their positions and strategies to ensure an exemplary participation of Africa in the World Social Development Summit to be held in Copenhagen in March 1995;
7. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to ensure if necessary that coordination as well as the follow-up on that resolution and report thereon to the 62nd session of the Council.
CM/Res.1550 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE PREPARATION OF THE FOURTH WORLD
CONFERENCE ON WOMEN (BEIJING 1995)
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June 1994,
Conscious of the need for OAU Member States to set up mechanism for the preparations for the Fourth World conference on Women, at the national as well as regional levels,
Satisfied with the meeting of the Group of Experts to be held in Tunis (Tunisia) in July 1994 on the preparation of the draft African platform of action and the identification of priority themes relating to this platform,
Expressing with satisfaction the decision to hold in Dakar (Senegal) in November 1994, the African Regional Conference for the preparation and adoption of the platform on the participation at the 4th World Conference on Women,
Convinced that the definition of a new development strategy in Africa should place emphasis on the improvement of the quality of life of the entire population,
Recalling that the African Regional Preparatory meeting for the World Conference on Women aimed at the increased integration of women in development, is part of the same strategy adopted by various international Summits, namely:
– The World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna, Austria, June 1993;
– The International conference on Population and Development to be held in Cairo, Egypt, September 1994;
– The Declaration on Economic Advancement of Rural Women adopted in Geneva, Switzerland, March 1991;
– The World Summit on Social Development to be held in Copenhagen, March 1995.
Asserting the importance of the preparatory regional conference to be held in Dakar, Senegal, in November 1994 and, reaffirming the need to adopt a unified African position for consideration by the Fourth World Conference in Beijing, China in September 1995:
1. CALLS on Members States to:
(i) STRENGTHEN the factors which foster increased participation of women in the decision-making structures and processes at all levels;
(ii) RATIFY the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against women, before the September 1995 World Conference on Women;
(iii) PROMOTE the integration of women in the economic development process by facilitating their autonomy and their access to resources (land, capital) and technology by making economic, social and cultural policy conducive to sustainable development;
(iv) PROVIDE women with equal access to education health, and all the services which would enable them maximize their capacities to attain full integration in development processes;
(v) ELIMINATE all forms of violence against women;
(vi) INCREASE the participation of women in conflict resolution and protect them in-international armed conflicts;
(vii) MOBILIZE all media resources to promote awareness amongst men and women of their responsibilities with regard to the establishment of equality, development and peace;
(viii) DEVELOP mechanisms at all levels to monitor the promotion of women and their integration in development;
2. COMMENDS all those countries that have already prepared national programs and URGES all others to do so.
CM/Res. 1551 (LX)
RESOLUTION ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OAU GENERAL
SECRETARIAT IN THE FIELD OF POPULATION AND
DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General in the field of Population and Development Policy in Africa Document CM/1837 (LX),
Recalling the recommendations on population and development issues contained in the Lagos Plan of Action (LPA), the Kilimanjaro Program of Action, the World Population Plan of Action (WPPA) as re-affirmed at the International Population Conference in Mexico and in Africa's Priority Program for Economic recovery (APPER), and reiterated in the Dakar/NGOR Declaration,
Bearing in mind the recommendations of the Inaugural Meeting of the African Population Commission on Population and Development in Africa held in Addis Ababa on 16-18 May, 1994, particularly, the need to mobilize resources for African population activities;
Recalling also the successive resolutions adopted by various sessions of the OAU Labor Commission and Council of Ministers on Population Matters,
Mindful of the importance of population factors and the need for their integration in socio-economic development:
1. URGES Member States, to establish National Population Commission, where they do not exist, and to strengthen technical cooperation relations with African regional and sub-regional organizations dealing with population and development problems;
2. CALLS UPON the Secretary-General, in collaboration with relevant African and international organizations dealing with population and development to mobilize financial and technical assistance from international organizations dealing with population and development for the attainment of the objectives set for the African Population commission;
3. COMMENDS the UNFPA for its financial assistance to the OAU in the area of population and development policy, and requests it to continue its support; and
4. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to report regularly to the Council of Ministers on the activities of the Member States on population and development policy programs.
CM/Res.1552 (LX)
MOTION OF THANKS AND ENCOURAGEMENT
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 6 to 11 June, 1994,
Considering the excellent facilities provided to ensure the success of the Sixtieth Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, in a spirit of African hospitality and brotherhood,
Considering the able manner in which the Chairman of the Council of Ministers steered the deliberations of the session,
Considering the importance of the present Session which was held at a time when Africa has achieved one of the major objectives of the Charter of the Organization, namely: total eradication of colonialism and racial discrimination from the Continent and when the Continent is confronted with the most serious problems in the areas of conflict and socio-economic development,
Having heard the thought-provoking statement made by H.E. Hamed Karoui, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia:
1. EXPRESSES ITS PROFOUND GRATITUDE to the Government and People of Tunisia for the warm welcome extended to all delegations of Member States;
2. FURTHER EXPRESSES ITS THANKS to H.E. Hamed Karoui, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia for the enlightening statement he made at the opening session of the Council;
3. COMMENDS the Chairman of the Council for the able manner in which he conducted the deliberations of the Council;
4. COMMENDS the Secretary-General and the entire staff of the General Secretariat for the lucid and comprehensive reports submitted to Council and for their devotion to the Organization.
ANNEX II
Declarations and resolutions adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity at its thirtieth ordinary session
CONTENTS
|
Declaration number |
Title |
Page |
|
AHG/Decl.1 (XXX) |
Tunis Declaration on AIDS and the child in Africa |
105 |
|
AHG/Decl.2 (XXX) |
Declaration on a code of conduct for inter-African relations |
110 |
|
AHG/Decl.3 (XXX) |
Declaration of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the situation in Angola |
117 |
|
AHG/Decl.4 (XXX) |
Declaration on population and development in Africa |
119 |
|
AHG/Decl.5 (XXX) |
Declaration on social development |
125 |
|
AHG/Decl.6 (XXX) |
Tunis Declaration on the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems |
129 |
|
AHG/Res.228 (XXX) |
Resolution on dissolution of the OAU Liberation Committee |
131 |
|
AHG/Res.229 (XXX) |
Resolution on the evaluation of the results of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations of GATT |
133 |
|
AHG/Res.230 (XXX) |
Resolution on the African Commission on Human and People's Rights |
136 |
|
AHG/Res.231 (XXX) |
Resolution on the African Economic Community |
139 |
|
AHG/Res.232 (XXX) |
Resolution on the question of the Comorian island of Mayotte |
143 |
|
AHG/Res.233 (XXX) |
Vote of thanks |
146 |
TUNIS DECLARATION ON AIDS AND THE CHILD IN AFRICA
I. BACKGROUND
We the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, meeting at the Thirtieth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Tunis, Tunisia, from 13 to 15 June, 1994,
Recognizing the devastating effect facing our African people, we adopted in Dakar in 1992, Declaration AHG/Ded.1 (XXVIII) in AIDS Epidemic in Africa as an integral part of our earlier declaration AHG/Decl.3 (XXVII) on the Current African Health Crisis adopted in Abuja in 1991,
Having reviewed Document CM/1780 (LVIII) on the Report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Six Point Action Agenda of the Declaration on the AIDS Epidemic in Africa, we adopted in Cairo, Resolution AHG/Res.223 (XXIX),
In spite of the above concerted actions we resolved to undertake, the magnitude of the problem of the HIV infection and AIDS in most of our countries is on the increase especially among the African children who are the most vulnerable sector of our population. We take note that:
1. Some 1 million infections occur annually in men, women and children and that by the year 2000, about twenty million Africans will be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);
2. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) causes sickness and despair, kills, young and middle-aged adults, who are parents, the mainstay of the family, the backbone of the work force, and the care givers to our young;
3. Children are infected by various modes of transmission and that girls are particularly vulnerable to infection by adults through sexual intercourse;
4. The positive gains in the health status of children and women brought about by successful primary health care programs of immunization, and child survival efforts in most African States are being threatened and will actually be reversed by AIDS;
5. As a consequence of less-than-aggressive preventive efforts in the past millions of children will die from AIDS or be orphaned over the coming decade and will require care and supportive efforts.
II. COMMITMENT
(a) Prevention is the key to slowing the spread of AIDS in Africa and curtailing its ultimate impact, attention should also be given to care of HIV/AIDS patients including those with accompanying illness such as tuberculosis;
(b) Effective national WV/AIDS programmers require broad-based, multi-sectoral support from all sectors of government; and commit ourselves to undertake the following measures to protect our African children:
In the light of the foregoing we commit ourselves:
1. Elaborate a "national policy framework" to guide and support responses to the needs of affected children covering social, legal, ethical, medical and human rights issues. We must recognize that an effective response to the needs of AIDS affected children requires a multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral response effectively coordinated to avoid duplication of effort and encourage the rational use of resources.
We must recognize that the serious effect the AIDS epidemic is having on children must be seen as a national issue, not just the concern of the communities most directly affected.
The largest group of AEDS-affected children are those whose parents have died in the epidemic. But in the hardest hit communities, nearly all children – not just those whose family members have died of AIDS – are adversely affected because of the loss of people they are close to, the trauma of watching their friends become orphaned, and the effects on the community of the loss of so many of its most productive members.
The immediate policy responses should address issues related to food and nutrition, education, nurture of parentless children, medical care for the sick as well as addressing the psychosocial problems resulting from the loss of loved ones and security.
Children who are not at present infected or affected may soon join this group as the epidemic is rapidly developing.
The various actors include concerned ministries, national and international non-governmental organizations, donor organizations and, most importantly, the communities themselves. Communities have the capacity to convert rejection into acceptance and risk-taking into risk prevention. Moreover the individual capacity to act can be reinforced by a supportive community.
2. Protect young people from HIV Infection
We must recognize not only the vulnerability of young people to HIV infection but that they provide a window of opportunity to eventually break the chain of transmission.
We must therefore encourage and develop strong prevention strategies and interventions based on, among other things, moral and ethical values of our society, appropriate sex education in schools, and as a matter of urgency plans must be drawn up to reach out-of-school youth. Furthermore, young people must be given access to reproductive health care and the knowledge and skills to avoid sexual exploitation and unprotected sex.
We must give particular attention to the prevention of transmission Of infection by adults to young people, through legislation designed to regulate the age consent and by the introduction of measures to improve the economic status of families.
In addition, we must institute measures to prevent parenteral transmission through transfusion of infected blood or use of contaminated needles and syringes or traditional surgical manipulation made with inadequately sterilized equipment. We should intensify all efforts including social mobilization and introduce legislation to discourage harmful traditional practices.
Furthermore, to prevent prenatal transmission we must institute counseling services to advise HIV infected women.
3. Promote and support applied reach.
Promote research efforts based on African experience and tradition and support institutes of research in Africa working mainly in the field of determining the magnitude and extent of HIV infection among children and women and the underlying factors relating to HIV infection in order to orient our response aimed at preventing the spread of infection and alleviating its consequences on children and women.
4. Make definite and substantial budgetary provisions to meet the identified requirements for preventive programs among children and for the care and support of those infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Recognizing the socio-economic constraints to which our countries are subject and the multi-sectoral impact of the AEDS epidemic we shall draw on all possible resources, community, national, bilateral and international, to meet the needs of the program.
5. Continuously monitor the epidemiological situation and the impact of the action program and regularly evaluate its a in order to effect any necessary modifications or reorientation.
III. We commit ourselves to follow closely the implementation of this Declaration.
AHG/Decl.2 (XXX)
DECLARATION ON A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR INTER-AFRICAN
We, African Heads of State and Government meeting in Tunis, Tunisia, from 13 to 15 June, 1994, on the occasion of the 30th Ordinary Session of our Summit,
PREAMBLE
Considering the Charter of the United Nations Organization, particularly its provisions on security, stability, economic development and co-operation,
Considering the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, particularly its principles and objectives (Articles II and III),
Considering the Abuja Treaty establishing the African Economic Community,
Bearing in mind the resolution adopted by the Dakar Summit (29 June – 1 July 1992) on the strengthening of co-operation and co-ordination among African States,
Bearing in mind also resolution CM/Res.1389 on the right of States to decide on their political options without foreign interference,
Conscious of the magnitude of the challenges facing our continent and: firmly resolved to face up to these challenges,
Conscious of the fact that it behooves us, more than ever before, to dose our ranks in order to better meet the hopes and expectations our peoples have nurtured for decades,
Considering the proliferation of hot beds of tension in Africa and the serious threat they pose to the stability, independence and credibility, as well as to the development of our States,
Determined to pursue the realization of the objectives set down in the resolution adopted by the Cairo Summit (June 1993) establishing the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution,
Convinced of the imperative need to establish a code of conduct aimed at preventing tensions, divisions and confrontations,
Convinced of our duty to strengthen solidarity, consultation and co-operation among Member States, based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs,
Aware of the need to assert human and moral values based on tolerance and the rejection of all forms of discrimination, injustice, extremism and terrorism,
Considering that fanaticism and extremism, whatever their nature, origin and form, especially fanaticism and extremism band on religion, politics and tribalism which are detrimental to the peace and security of the continent, are unacceptable,
Aware that every co-operation effort is doomed to failure in an environment devoid of stability, trust and security,
Aware also that the time has come to take our destiny into our own hands and to seek African solutions to the problems besetting our continent,
Recalling that the Charter of the United Nations Organization reaffirms the faith of the International Community in fundamental human rights, the dignity and sanctity of the human person, and in the equality of the rights of men and women, as well as of nations, big and small,
Recalling also that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its Article 29 stipulates that in the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall: be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society,
Recognizing that the freedom of religious belief and its peaceful expression are a fundamental right of all human beings as enshrined in the Universal: Declaration of Human Rights, in the Declaration on the Elimination of all forms of: intolerance and discrimination based on religion or conviction, as well as in other instruments relating to human rights,
Recognizing further the threat posed by movements based on religious, political and tribal extremism,
Considering that extremism and terrorism under the pretext of political sectarism, tribalism, ethnicity or religion undermine the moral and human values of peoples, particularly fundamental freedoms and tolerance,
In view of the aforementioned:
1. We are determined to intensify political consultations and expand co-operation in order to resolve economic, social, environmental, cultural and humanitarian problems. This common resolve and our growing independence will help overcome all kinds of mistrust, increase stability and build a united Africa;
2. We want Africa to be a source of peace, open to dialogue, co-operation and exchange with the rest of the world, and committed to the search for common responses to future challenges;
3. We fully support the United Nations Organization and the strengthening of its role in the promotion of peace, security and international justice. We reaffirm our commitment to the United Nations principles and objectives as set forth in the Charter and condemn any violation of these principles;
4. We reaffirm our deep conviction that friendly relations among our peoples as well as peace, justice, stability and democracy, call for the protection of ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious identity of all our people including national minorities and the creation of conditions conducive to the promotion of this identity;
5. We are determined to combat racial or ethnic hatred in all its ramifications as well as any form of discrimination and persecution against any individual on religious or ideological grounds;
6. We are resolved to develop and strengthen the amicable relations and cooperation existing among our States and to promote friendship among our peoples. The challenges facing us can be met only through concerted action, cooperation and solidarity;
7. Mindful of our obligations under the United Nations Charter and our commitments vis-a-vis the OAU Charter, we reiterate our determination to refrain from the use of force or the threat thereof, against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, and from any other action inconsistent with the principles and objectives of these Charters. We reaffirm that the non-respect of the said obligations constitutes a violation of international law;
8. We believe that our relations, both at the bilateral and continent-wide levels should be backed by a new package of concrete security measures paving the way for enhanced transparency among all States. These measures would constitute a significant step towards increased stability and security in Africa;
9. We are determined to cooperate in the defense of the institution of our respective States against hegomony and all other activities carried out in violation of the independence, unity, sovereign equality or territorial integrity of Member States;
10. We unequivocally condemn as criminal all terrorist acts, methods and practices, and resolve to step up our cooperation in order to erase this blot on the security, stability and development of our countries, which poses as much threat to us as arms racketeering and drug peddling;
11. Conscious of the fact that the peaceful settlement of disputes constitutes an essential component of the duty devolving on States to refrain from the use of force or the threat thereof or aggression – condition essential for the maintenance and consolidation of international peace and security – we pledge ourselves to adopt effective measures aimed at preempting situations of emerging conflicts through political means, including regional initiatives and to seize the Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution Mechanism thereof, thereby paving the way for the peaceful settlement of any disputes that could erupt. In this connection, we commit ourselves to seeking new forms of cooperation especially in regard to exploring a range of methods applicable to the peaceful settlement of conflicts. We emphasize, in this regard, that every possible advantage should be taken of the opportunity provided by the Mechanism as defined in the Cairo Declaration AHG/Dec. 13 (XXM of 30 June 1993;
12. We are deeply concerned at the tensions prevalent in the Continent, and reiterate our determination to intensify our efforts towards finding just, effective and lasting solutions by peaceful means to the crucial issues needing attention, on the basis of respect for the principles enshrined in the Charter of the OAU;
13. We express satisfaction at the Declaration adopted by the Assembly of OAU Heads of State and Government in Dakar (29 June to 1 July 1992), the declaration published following the 10th Summit meeting of the Heads of State and Government of Non Aligned Countries (Djakarta 1-6 September 1992) as well as the code of conduct adopted by the 21st Ministerial Session of the OIC (Tunis, 1994) which condemned extremism and terrorism, and called on all States to scrupulously observe, in their relations, the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and to respect the principle of good. neighborliness.
14. We believe that it has become necessary to set down standards and adopt appropriate measures and regulations in our respective States with a view to forestalling the use of issues related to religion or ethnic differences to encourage or carry out, directly or indirectly, activities prejudicial or potentially prejudicial to the stability of any Member State of the OAU;
15. In this regard, we reiterate our commitment to abide by the obligation incumbent on us by virtue of international law, to refrain from organizing, instigating, facilitating, financing, encouraging or tolerating activities that are terrorist in nature or intent, and from participating in such activities in whatsoever manner, and to take necessary operational measures to ensure that Member States territories do not serve as training camps or indoctrination centers for terrorist elements and movements and as sanctuaries for the planning and organization of terrorist and destabilization activities directed against the territorial integrity and security of Member States or other States or their nationals;
16. We also pledge ourselves to conform to our obligations under international law to bring to justice or extradite terrorist elements.
AHG/Decl.3 (XXX)
Declaration of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the
Situation in Angola
We, the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in our Thirtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia from 13 to 15 June 1994,
Considering the developments in the crisis in Angola in the light of our Declaration AHG/Decl.2 (XXIX) Rev. 1, adopted at the Twenty-Ninth Ordinary
Session held from 28 to 29 June 1993, in Cairo, Egypt,
Having taken note of the content of the report of the OAU Secretary-General on Angola and the information provided by the Head of State of Angola on the situation in his country including the development of the on-going negotiation which started in Lusaka on 15 November 1993,
Noting with satisfaction the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of some of the concrete measures stipulated in our Declaration and its willingness to implement additional means as contained in paragraph 26 of Resolution 864 (1993) in the event of UNITA not responding to the appeals of the international community to find a peaceful solution to the crisis and not showing any goodwill and the required flexibility for reaching a rapid global solution within the framework of the Lusaka negotiations,
Commending the continued willingness of the Angolan Government to seek for a peaceful solution to the conflict as demonstrated by its formal acceptance of the proposals for national reconciliation formulated by the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General and by the three Observer States at the peace process in Angola,
Desirous once again to contribute to the rapid restoration of peace in Angola based on the Peace Agreement signed by the parties following the 29 and 3 0 September 1992 elections which were considered free and fair by the international community and by the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, adopted in this regard on the Angolan Questions;
WE DECLARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. WE REAFFHW our total support to the peace process in Angola which, we believe, is the only means for a political solution to the, conflict and we reiterate the need to respect the results of the elections, the only guarantee for a continuous democratic process;
2. WE COMMEND the formal acceptance by the Government of the Republic of Angola of the proposals for national reconciliation formulated by the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General and by the three Observer States sit the peace process which constitutes a decisive step in conducting a global agreement during the on-going negotiations in Lusaka;
3. WE COMMEND the efforts deployed by the United Nations, particularly those of the special representative of the UN Secretary General and the three Observer States at the peace process in Angola for the re-establishment of confidence and initiatives aimed at providing the parties concerned with compromise proposals on such delicate issues;
4. WE RECOMMEND to the United Nation Security Council to fix a deadline for the parties to honor the pertinent clauses of its previous resolutions beyond which all the measures stipulated in Resolution 696 (1993) will be implemented.
AHG/Decl.4 (XXX)
DECLARATION ON POPULATION AND IN AFRICA
PREAMBLE
1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), assembled in Tunis from 13-15 June 1994, for
the Thirtieth Ordinary Session of our summit, have once more critically assessed the prevailing socio-economic situation of our continent and have reviewed the inextricable link between population and development. We note with concern that, our economies have been stagnating and declining, making Africa the most
economically under-developed continent in the world. This situation has exposed our population to severe hardships and sacrifices.
2. In response to this situation, we have adopted various development strategies and plans including in particular the Declaration on Political and Socio-economic Situation in Africa and the Fundamental Changes Taking Place in the World (1990) as well as the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community (AEC)(1991).
3. In spite of these efforts, our countries continue to face serious difficulties as a result of an unfavorable international economic environment characterized inter-alia by the collapse of prices of commodities of interest to African countries, the excruciating debt burden, the servicing of which is consuming a large part of our export earnings, and the decline, in real terms, of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) to our continent. All these notwithstanding, our countries have embarked on the implementation of structural adjustment programs and the transformation of our economies.
4. We are aware of the intricate inter-play between population, environment and sustainable development and are mindful of the necessity for African States to evolve population policies and programs to bring a balance between population growth and the capacity of our countries to provide for the basic needs of our people.
5. We have reviewed the population and development situation in our continent and wish to express our total political commitment to address them in the context of sustainable development. To this end, we reiterate our commitment to provide the basic needs of our people. We realize that this will require the full participation of our people in bringing a balance between our resources and our population growth.
6. In this respect, we wish to, stress that population issues should be addressed in the, wider contest of the total needs of our socio-economic development. These issues were addressed in the Kilimanjaro Program of Action (KPA) for self- reliant development (1984) and in the Dakar/NGOR Declaration on Population, Family and Sustainable Development (M).
PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
7. Sustainable development requires the integration of population variables into development strategies, socio-economic planning, decision-making and resource allocation at all levels.
8. For a successful implementation of population and sustainable development policies, infrastructure, institutions, the legal framework and human resources are required.
9. Economic integration among our countries is an essential condition for our collective self-reliance and self-sustained development.
10. Africa's efforts will require, supportive international economic environment, addressing the debt burden, the terms of trade and providing adequate international support in the promotion or our development, particularly in industrialization.
11. We are committed to provide the basic needs of our population, particularly food security, drinking water, health services, education and shelter.
12. We reaffirm the rights and responsibilities of individuals and families to participate in decision-making affecting their well-being.
13. In recognition of the critical role of women and their major contribution to socio-economic development, we reaffirm, our commitment to the enhancement of women's rights, status and needs.
14. We are aware that peace, security, stability and the rule of law are necessary prerequisites for our development and the welfare of our people. To this end, we have adopted the Cairo Declaration on the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution within the OAU (1993).
15. We reaffirm our solidarity in dealing with our development and population problems. In this respect we reaffirm the sovereign rights of each of our countries to formulate its population policies with freedom, dignity and respecting intrinsic values of its people, taking fully into account its moral and cultural factors.
16. We commit ourselves to exert every effort to address the root causes of the problems of refugees and displaced persons, through conflict prevention, management and resolution; through democratization and the respect for human rights; and by the encouragement of voluntary repatriation of refugees to their respective countries of origin, once the conditions of their exile have disappeared.
DECLARATION
17. We have considered the Dakar/NGOR Declaration on Population, Family and Sustainable Development adopted by our Ministers Responsible for Population Matters at the 3rd African Population Conference (APC) held in Dakar in December 1992.
18. We hereby endorse the Dakar/NGOR Declaration and- affirm that it is an indispensable population and development strategy that win take Africa to the end of this century and beyond.
19. We stress the need for a sustained effort in the formulation of explicit population policies and the design of strategies for implementing the policy measures and the associated national population programs by our Member States. To this end, we urge our Member States to establish and/or strengthen national institutions to address, on a continuous and consistent basis the issues of population and sustainable development and in particular to take the necessary measures for the implementation of the commitment made on the Dakar/NGOR Declaration.
20. We commit ourselves particularly to do all within our power to empower women to play their full role in society through the elimination of inequality between men and women, providing educational opportunities to attain their full potential, the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and ensure their full access to the means of production including land.
21. We commit ourselves to address in a comprehensive manner the development of our youth to achieve their full potential through the provision of education, counseling, support services and gainful employment opportunities.
22. We further commit ourselves to improve the living conditions of our rural population, including nomads, through specific policies and programs designed to meet basic needs particularly food, drinking water, health, education and shelter within the framework of our population and sustainable development policies and strategies.
23. We commit ourselves to increase in our regular respective budgets the necessary resources needed for the implementation of our population policies and programs.
24. We urge the International Community to provide our countries with the necessary assistance to achieve the above objectives and to support our efforts for the implementation of the Dakar/NGOR Declaration in particular to:
a) expand our health infrastructure to ensure adequate coverage of our population in each Member State in order to adequately provide for mother and child health services and family planning;
b) assist Member States in the implementation of their information, education, communication (IEC) strategies, in service delivery, capacity building for statistical data collection, analysis, research and reporting capabilities to enhance the management of population and development matters; and
c) review and formulate legal systems with a view to establishing the necessary legal framework to create a positive environment for the full participation of women in their own development and the development of our countries.
25. We endorse the establishment of the African Population Commission and request it to co-operate with other institutions in the implementation of population activities in Africa.
26. We encourage Member States to cooperate and exchange experiences in the field of population and development, particularly in research, statistics and policy issues, to foster collaboration among African researchers and planners in this field with the view to creating an enabling environment for the establishment and effective functioning of the African Economic Community. We also encourage the South-South cooperation in the field of population and development activities.
27. We call upon the OAU Member States to make all the necessary preparations at the national level and to participate actively at the Cairo Conference, in view of the fact that this major international event will be taking place on the African soil for the first time.
28. We wish to express our appreciation and congratulations to the Government and the People of the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
29. We express our appreciation to the UNFPA and other donors for assisting African countries in implementing their population programs and request them to continue providing that assistance. We also request the donor countries and NGOs to increase their technical and financial assistance to population programs in Africa.
30. We request the Secretary-General of the OAU in collaboration with the Executive Secretary of the ECA to monitor developments in population activities in Africa and to submit periodic reports to the OAU Council of Ministers and to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
AHG/Dec1.5 (XXX)
DECLARATION ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
We, the Heads of State and Government, meeting in Tunis, Tunisia from 13-15 June, 1994 at the invitation of the Tunisian Government to participate in the Thirtieth Summit of the Organization of African Unity,
Aware of our historical responsibility in providing our peoples with comprehensive and sustained development so as to step into the twenty-first century, under propitious condition that enable our people to achieve their legitimate aspirations for progress and peace and contribute with other peoples to the civilization of mankind,
Convinced that the focal role of man, as objective and supreme beneficiary of development, and that there is need to entrench the human dimension in all policies seeking the economic development of our countries,
Proceeding from our firm determination to stand up to the challenges dictated, on the one hand, by the changes affecting our African societies and their economies and, on the other, by the numerous imbalances in world economic transactions and the deteriorating volume and prices of African exports that deprived Africa of the resources it needs to finance sustained development and on-going progress, in addition to the recurring problems, caused by balance of payments of external debt servicing,
Faced by increasing social problems and their aggravation, such as a rising unemployment, higher poverty rates, a growing illiteracy, pervasive corruption and social marginalization and the inability of family relations and traditional frameworks of social solidarity to assume their role as protectors of the vulnerable groups, and of the values, social and civilizational ethics of our societies,
Considering the need to withstand all forms of intolerance and extremism that, nurtured by poverty, deprivation and marginalization, rely on them to contain the very bases of social peace, political stability and national cohesion;
Convinced that human rights are an indivisible whole encompassing political, economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions;
Convinced that the ability of social, economic and investment conditions to develop human skills are basic and indispensable elements to support the democratic transition process in our African countries on the basis of saqacious options and widespread popular participation likely to root the foundations of the civilian society and strengthen its potentials for self-development;
Believing in the rationale of a balanced development that takes account of the needs of the present and the requirements of the future, striking a balance between the aspirations of the present and the rights of the future generations to five in a cohesive economic, social and environmental climate, as called for by the International Community in the Declaration of the United Nations World Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro;
Considering that both developing and industrialized countries share a great number of social problems due to the fundamental changes that occurred in the development patterns and the quality of international relations in the 90s;
Convinced of the importance of the African Common Position in human and social resources development in Africa as defined by the Conference of African Ministers on Human Resources Development held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 20 and 21 January, 1994, and endorsed by the OAU Labor Commission;
Determined to contribute to the World Summit on Human Development scheduled to be held in Copenhagen in March 1995:
WE DECLARE in accordance with the, Common African Position that:
1. there is need to reaffirm our commitment to human development as a basis for cooperation among states to underlie a human and social order founded on justice, dignity, tolerance and mutual respect;
2. there is need to understand the real problems of the African continent so as to identify the means whereby to solve them with the needed seriousness and draw up the sectoral and comprehensive plans therefore;
3. there is need to promote the conditions that lent themselves to comprehensive development in a climate of political stability, peace and security;
4. there is need to consolidate a democracy founded on participation, encouraging initiatives and organizational patterns that would enable our societies to influence development and rely on their own capacities so as to shield themselves against all forms of violence, extremism and discrimination;
5. there is need to take action at national, regional and international levels with a view to mobilizing efforts in support of the educational, training, health and , information sectors, and in order to eradicate the social ills, primarily poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and prevent the unraveling of the family fabric; in order also to work out programs that make it possible to secure the economic and social merging of the vulnerable groups, primarily women, children, youth, the elderly and the handicapped;
6. there is need to take action, in the scope of an exchange of interests among States, to consolidate all forms of joint development in favor of the progress of mankind and in order to safeguard international peace and security;
7. there is need to encourage the merging and consolidation of natural developmental efforts in Africa so as to curb the on-going deterioration of the terms of trade that adversely affect the African countries and to work out new forms of international cooperation that take into account the value of social efforts and the difficult conditions in which they are made and, in this connection, alleviate the burden of the external indebtedness of Africa and enable the investment of due external debts in programs relevant to the development of human resources and for environmental purposes;
8. there is need to ensure, through bilateral cooperation programs and those of the United Nations and other international institutions, a close relationship between economic and social development and always bear in mind that the progress of man and his optimum prosperity are the highest objective of mankind at the threshold of a new century.
AHG/Decl.6 (XXX)
TUNIS DECLARATION ON THE 1969 CONVENTION
GOVERNING THE SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF REFUGEE PROBLEMS
We, the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, assembled here in the City of Tunis in Tunisia, on the occasion of the Thirtieth OAU Summit of Heads of State and Government, take note of the fact that this year marks the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the adoption of the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa and the Twentieth year since it entered into force. As we take account of the refugee and displacement problem in Africa today, we consider that these important anniversaries should provide an opportunity for us to highlight the contribution that the convention has made to refugee protection and to the promotion of solutions for refugees in Africa.
One quarter of century ago, the consolidation of nationhood, democracy, national unity, social and economic progress in our newly independent States was often characterized by strife, conflict, and political instability. These, along with the continuing liberation struggles in the remaining colonial, racially dominated and foreign-occupied territories, led to continued increase in the number of refugees in the continent posing complex legal, political and humanitarian problems for both the countries of origin and countries of asylum.
It was against this background of the specific aspects of the African refugee problems that the keenly-felt need for a regional legal regime to complement the universal one was finally met when 41 Heads of African State and Government signed the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems on 10 September 1969 in the City of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Today, the wisdom of having taken this decision continues to demonstrate itself. The Convention has ensured the very survival of the institution of asylum itself and its humanitarian character where the character of refugee flows has sometimes threatened the very fabric of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence between States. With 42 accessions so far, and complemented in turn by other regional human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Peoples' and Human Rights, it continues to provide a solid cornerstone for refugee policy and state practice in the reception of, grant of asylum to, and treatment of, asylum seekers and refugees, as well as for the implementation of voluntary repatriation. We also take pride in the fact that the Convention has provided positive inspiration for legal developments elsewhere, such as the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees in Latin America. We call on all those Member States who have not acceded to it to do so without further delay, and re-dedicate ourselves to a more effective implementation of the Convention through, inter-alia, the promulgation of appropriate national refugee legislation.
While we express great satisfaction over the very positive contributions made by the Convention towards the protection of refugees in Africa and the promotion of durable solutions for them, we do not lose sight of the continuing crises of displacement in the continent. We therefore reiterate once more our unflinching determination to eradicate the root causes of refugee flow in Africa in line with the resolutions we have adopted as well as create a more dynamic African society characterized by the rule of law, tolerance, democracy and economic and social development. In doing so, we are cognizant of the fact that Africa is host to the largest number of refugees and displaced persons in the world namely, 7 million and 15 million respectively. In dealing wit this scourge we are confident that we can count on the support of the larger international community to make our efforts successful.
R E S O L U T I O N S
AHG/Res.228 (XXX)
RESOLUTION ON DISSOLUTION OF THE
OAU LIBERATION COMMITTEE
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Thirtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia from 13 to 15 June, 1994,
Recalling the resolution adopted by the First Assembly of Heads of State and Government to establish the OAU Co-ordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa in May 1963,
Noting with satisfaction the good work done by the Committee throughout the years in implementing our decisions, assisting and expediting the process of decolonization and the elimination of apartheid,
Gratified to note that out of twenty-two countries which gained independence after the founding of the Organization in May 1963, eleven have attained self determination and independence through, among other means, the direct assistance of the Liberation Committee:
1. EXPRESSES its profound appreciation to all OAU Member States and the international community as a whole for the commendable role they played throughout the struggle against colonialism and apartheid;
2. RECOGNIZES that the mandate given to the Liberation Committee in 1963 has been satisfactorily accomplished;
3. DECIDES to formally terminate that mandate and directs that a solemn one-day special Session of the Committee be held in Tanzania by the end of July or early in August 1994 for that purpose;
4. URGES all African Heads of State and Government, particularly those from countries which had received direct assistance from the Liberation Committee to attend that meeting;
5. PAYS SPECIAL TRIBUTE to the staff of the Executive Secretariat at all levels for their dedication and commitment which made it possible to implement the policy decisions of the Committee;
6. EXPRESSES ITS DEEP APPRECIATION to the Government and people of United Republic of Tanzania, the Frontline States and all other countries for providing dependable rear bases as home of the Executive Secretariat and its Sub-Regional Offices as well as their effective and multifarious assistance to African Liberation Movements;
7. ENDORSES all the decisions and recommendations of the Sixty-first Ordinary Session of the Co-ordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa as amended by Council.
AHG/Res. 229 (XXX)
RESOLUTION ON THE EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS
OF THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE
NEGOTIATIONS OF GATT
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Thirtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 13 to 15 June, 1994,
Bearing in mind the significance of Africa's participation in international commercial relations as a major source of foreign exchange that is required for financing the development of its countries,
Concerned about the continued deterioration of Africa's terms of trade with the industrialized countries, the collapse of commodity prices, the loss of market share and the resurgence of protectionist trade practices that characterized the international trading system since the period proceeding the launching of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in September 1986 in Punta Del Este Uruguay,
Aware that on 15 April 1994 in Marrakech in the Kingdom of Morocco the Final Act Embodying the Results of the Uruguay Round was signed by the Ministers of the participating countries at the Uruguay Round,
Taking into account the Tunis Declaration and the resolution on the Uruguay Round of Negotiations adopted in October 1993 by the Twelfth Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Trade,
Recalling Resolution CM/1505 (LIX) of the OAU Council of Ministers of February 1994 which requested the Secretary-General of the OAU, in collaboration with the relevant institutions, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the results of the Round in order to determine the overall impact on the African economies,
Further recalling the resolution on the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations adopted in May 1994 by the Conference of Ministers of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa,
Aware of the need for the integration of Africa within the global trading system in order to foster economic growth in Africa,
Conscious of the importance of free trade for economic growth and employment and of the need to promote national development for job creation,
Mindful that there are new areas that are still open for negotiations in the coming months, such as relations between environment and trade, basic
telecommunications and financial services,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Evaluation of the Results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations of GATT (A Preliminary Assessment), Document Ref. CM/1839 (LX):
1. TAKES NOTE of the report and the preliminary recommendations contained therein (Doc. CM/1839 (LX) and commends the comprehensive analysis embodied in the report;
2. WELCOMES the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of Negotiations and the signing of the Final Act by 120 countries on 15 April in Marrakech, in the Kingdom of Morocco as well as the Treaty establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO);
3. CONCERN at the prospect of a massive erosion f preferences hitherto enjoyed by the majority of African countries as a result of the Round;
4. URGES African countries which have not yet done so to envisage adhering to the WTO with the aim to ensure the safeguard of Africa's interests from within the new organization;
5. WELCOMES the venue of the International Conference on Technical Assistance to African Countries, to be convened in Tunis with the aim to enabling the adaptation of their economies to the new international trading system and more particularly to the outcome of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations;
6. CALLS to that end, on the UNDP and GATT and other institutions and donors to provide the required financial support and technical assistance;
7. CALLS ON the OAU, UNECA, UNCTAD and GATT to organize regular Seminars and Symposia to acquaint OAU Member States with the outcome of the Uruguay Round and the mechanisms for the implementation of the agreements;
8. CALLS for an African Common Position on the issue of the inclusion of Labor Standards within the envisaged World Trade Organization sphere of Competence;
9. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU and the Executive Secretary of the UNECA, in close consultation with Member States and relevant organizations to monitor, on a continuous basis, the impact of the Uruguay round by carrying out further the evaluation exercise and to advise Council periodically, through the Secretary-General;
10. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to monitor the implementation of this resolution and to periodically report to Council.
AHG/Res.230 (XXX)
RESOLUTION ON THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON
HUMAN AND PEOPLES' RIGHTS
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Thirtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 13 to 15 June, 1994,
Considering the Seventh Annual Activity Report of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights presented by its Chairman Professor Isaac NGUEMA, in accordance with Article 54 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights,
Recalling that the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights entered into force on 21 October, 1986, and that 49 OAU Member States have already acceded to the Charter,
Recalling that Article I of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights stipulates that States Parties shall recognize the rights, duties and freedoms enshrined in the Charter and shall undertake to adopt legislative or other measures to give effect to them,
Recalling further the entry into force on 12 May, 1994, of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community which complements the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights,
Bearing in mind that the African Charter recognizes the right to development as a Human Right,
Aware of the need to strengthen the African mechanism for the promotion and protection of Human and Peoples' Rights.
Concerned by the situation obtaining in the area of human and peoples' rights,
Finally recalling the provisions of Resolution AHG/Res.227 (XXIX) Rev.1 adopted at its Twenty-ninth Ordinary Session held in Cairo, Egypt, from 28 to 30 June, 1993:
1. REAFFIRMS the need for Member States to ensure respect for Human and Peoples' Rights and thereby further promote peace, stability and development in Africa;
2. CONSEQUENTLY CALLS ON States Parties to the Charter to take concrete measures towards the effective implementation of the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights;
3. REAFFIRMS the relevance of all the provisions of resolution ARC/Res.227 (XXIX) Rev.1 and APPEALS to all the concerned parties and people to scrupulously conform to these provisions particularly those relating to endowing the African Commission with adequate resources to enable it accomplish its mission and to the submission of periodic reports by the States Parties;
4. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to convene a meeting of government experts to ponder in conjunction with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights over the means to enhance the efficiency of the Commission in considering particularly the establishment of an African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights;
5. CONGRATULATES the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights for having appointed its Vice-Chairman as Special Rapporteur on extra-judiciary, summary or arbitrary executions;
6. CALLS UPON the States Parties to the Charter to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur in carrying out his mandate.
7. APPEALS to Member States to ratify the said Charter as early as possible if they have not yet done so;
8. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to continue to pursue its activities aimed at promoting and protecting the rights recognized and guaranteed by the Charter;
9. TAKES NOTE WITH SATISFACTION of the Seventh Annual Activity Report of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and AUTHORIZES its publication.
AHG/Res.231 (XXX)
RESOLUTION ON THE AFRICAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC)
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) meeting in its Thirtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 13 to 15 June, 1994,
Considering the provisions of the Charter of the OAU and of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community,
Welcoming the entry into force of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community on May 12, 1994,
Having considered the progress report of the OAU Secretary General (Doc. No. CM/1836 (XL) on the implementation of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community,
Bearing in mind that the entry into force of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community and its implementation places additional responsibilities on the OAU Secretariat and that adequate human and financial resources should be made available to the Secretariat in order to enable it face the challenges of the Community,
Mindful of the importance of the Lagos Plan of Action and the Final Act of Lagos which called for the establishment of the African Economic Community during the decade of the 1990's and the strengthening of the existing regional economic communities with a view to fostering closer economic cooperation and harmonious integration,
Noting with satisfaction the existing working relations and close consultations between the Secretariat of the OAU/African Economic Community and those of the regional economic communities, as well as between the OAU/ECA/ADB within the context of the implementation of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community,
Mindful of the resolutions AHG/Res. 206 (XXVEII) and AHG/Res. 218 (XXEX) of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of, the OAU on the African Economic Community,
Reiterating its resolve and commitment to the implementation of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community through the stages stipulated in the Treaty,
1. COMMENDS these Member States which have ratified and deposited their instruments of ratification of the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community with the OAU General Secretariat, and URGES those which have not yet ratified the Treaty to do so as expeditiously as possible;
2. CALLS UPON the OAU Secretary-General in collaboration with the Executive Secretary of the ECA and the President of the ADB to continue and accelerate the preparation of the draft protocols to be annexed to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community and to submit them to the OAU Permanent Steering Committee for consideration;
3. URGES the Secretariats of the regional economic communities to continue to cooperate with the OAU Secretariat especially during the process of strengthening their respective institutions and their integration programs and activities within the framework of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community;
4. ALSO URGES the OAU Permanent Steering Committee to examine the new OAU/AEC structure thus facilitating its submission by the Secretariat to the Advisory Committee, on Administrative, Financial and Budgetary Matters for consideration and recommendation;
5. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary General to mobilize extra-budgetary resources towards the implementation of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community. To this end, it designates the OAU Secretariat as the Secretariat of the continental and regional integration Organization for purposes of Section X11 of Lome Convention and REQUESTS the OAU Secretary General to contact the European Commission with a view to securing its assistance for Community projects and programs;
6. ALSO REQUESTS the UNDP Governing Council to allocate adequate funds for regional economic integration programs in Africa, and FURTHER REQUESTS Member States to supplement these resources, by voluntarily allocating a percentage of their Indicative Planning Figure (IPF) towards regional integration projects and programs;
7. FURTHER REQUESTS the ECOSOC, in its first Session, to rationalize African sectoral ministerial meetings by regrouping them as Specialized Technical Committees of the ECOSOC in accordance with the provisions of Article 25 of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community and to submit its recommendations through the Council to the Assembly of OAU Heads of States and Government in accordance with the provisions of Articles 15 and 16 of the Treaty;
8. URGES Member States to ensure the full implementation of the Treaty and to set up national mechanisms to follow-up and incorporate the commitments made in the Treaty into national plans and programs;
9. URGES Member States, in close cooperation with the OAU Secretariat, to continue the process of popularizing the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community at national level in order to reach their respective socio-economic operators, institutions of higher learning as well as their populations;
10. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary General to convene the first session of the ECOSOC as soon as possible in order to adopt its rules of procedure and work program;
11. FURTHER REQUESTS the OAU Secretary General to submit regular reports to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU on the implementation of this resolution.
AHG/Res.232 (XXX)
RESOLUTION ON THE QUESTION OF THE
COMORIAN ISLAND OF MAYOTTE
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Thirtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 13 to 15 June 1994,
Bearing in mind Resolution CM/Res.496 (XXVII) setting up the OAU Ad Hoc Committee of Seven on the Question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte,
Recalling the relevant OAU resolutions on the Question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte, particularly Resolution AHG/Res.193 (XXVI),
Recalling further the relevant resolutions and recommendations of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the League of Arab States, concerning the question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte,
Considering the fundamental principles of the OAU Charter regarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States,
Reiterating the legitimacy of the Comorian Government's demand for the Comorian Island of Mayotte to be integrated into the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros,
Recalling the Program of Action recommended by the OAU Ad Hoc Committee contained in Document CTTEE.7/Mayotte/Rec.1-9 (II) adopted in Moroni in November 1981,
Considering the activities undertaken by the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) to promote regional cooperation among its Member States:
1. TAKES NOTE of the report of the Chairman of the OAU Ad Hoc Committee of Seven on the Question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte;
2. REAFFIRMS the sovereignty of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros over the Comorian Island of Mayotte;
3. REAFFIRMS ITS SOLIDARITY with the people of The Comoros in their determination to regain their political integrity, defend their sovereignty and their territorial integrity;
4. APPEALS to the French Government to satisfy the legitimate claims of the Comorian Government in conformity with the relevant resolutions of the OAU, the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Islamic Conference and the League of Arab States,
5. INVITES Member States of the OAU to take the necessary steps, individually and collectively, to inform and sensitize the French and the international public opinion on the question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte with a view to bringing the French Government to end its occupation of Mayotte;
6. REAFFIRMS that the referendum on self-determination held on 22 December 1974 remains the only valid consultation applicable to the entire Archipelago;
7. APPEALS to all Member States of the OAU and the international community to condemn and reject any initiative which may be taken by France to make the Comorian Island of Mayotte participate in activities as a separate entity from the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros
8. CONDEMNS the European Union's consideration of the Comorian Island of Mayotte as a French territory and the assistance it is in, the process of giving the Island as an extension of the French Republic;
9. REQUESTS ACP countries particularly OAU Member States to oppose and condemn such initiatives which violate the territorial integrity of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros;
10. DIRECTS the OAU Ad Hoc Committee of Seven on the Question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte as well as the OAU Secretary-General to reopen dialogue with the French Government, bearing in mind the declaration made in Moroni in June 1990, in a bid to rapidly resolve the Question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte;
11. URGES the OAU Ad Hoc Committee of Seven on the Question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte and the General Secretariat to convene a meeting in Moroni before the 31st Assembly of Heads of State and Government, in order to explore ways and means of facilitating the holding of a tripartite conference;
12. REQUESTS that the Question of the Comorian Island of Mayotte remain on the Agenda of all meetings of the OAU, the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Islamic Conference and the League of Arab States, until the restitution of the Comorian Island of Mayotte to the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros;
13. FURTHER REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to monitor the developments on the Question and present a report thereon to the next Session of the Council of Ministers.
AHG/Res. 233 (XXX)
VOTE OF THANKS
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Thirtieth Ordinary Session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 13 to 15 June, 1994,
Having heard with rapt attention the detailed and documented report on the activities undertaken by the Out-going Chairman, H.E. President Hosni Moubarak, Chairman of the Twenty-Ninth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government,
Having followed with great interest the relentless efforts which President Moubarak has continued to deploy for the attainment and consolidation of the objectives and principles of the Organization, as well as the promotion of the dignity and well-being of Africans,
Considering the excellent facilities provided by Tunisia to ensure the success of the Thirtieth Ordinary Session, in a spirit of hospitality and African brotherhood,
Further considering the able manner in which H.E. President Zine El Abidine Ben ali of Tunisia, chairman of the Thirtieth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government he steered the deliberations of the Assembly,
Noting with satisfaction the lucid and far-sighted reports submitted by the Secretary General of the Organization:
1. EXPRESSES ITS DEEP GRATITUDE to H.E. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, his Government and people of Tunisia for the warm and brotherly welcome extended to all delegations of Member States;
2. COMMENDS and THANKS H.E. President Hosni Moubarak, Chairman of the Twenty-Ninth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for his detailed and documented report on the activities undertaken during his mandate;
3. COMMENDS and THANKS H.E. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali for the clear, wise and effective manned in which he conducted the deliberations of the Assembly which greatly contributed to its full success;
4. EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE to the President of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Meles ZENAWI, for having invited the Assembly to hold its next Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;
5. EXPRESSES ITS THANKS AND APPRECIATIONS to the Secretary-General and the staff of the Organization for the lucid and well documented reports submitted to the Assembly.
—
Document Type: Letter, Resolution
Document Sources: General Assembly, Organization of African Unity (OAU)
Country: Ethiopia
Subject: Agenda Item, Palestine question
Publication Date: 15/06/1994