Accra (Greater Accra) 12 July '99

President Jerry John Rawlings left Accra today for Algiers, Algeria, to attend the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of OAU Heads of State, which opens on July 12.

Dr John Abu, Minister of Trade and Industry and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accompanied him. Already in Algiers is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Victor Gbeho.

Mr Joseph Laryea, deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs told newsmen at the airport that the three-day summit, which is the last in the millennium, was crucial - it is hoped to prepare the way for the launching of an economically integrated Africa devoid of conflicts.

He said the Assembly was preceded by the 9th Session of the Committee of Ambassadors and other government envoys from July six to 7, and the 70th Session of the Council of Ministers from 8-10.

The deputy Minister said the summit would examine the OAU Secretary-General's report on the conflict situation in Africa, the restructuring of the administrative, financial and economic matters of the organisation, and issues on gender and HIV/AIDS in Africa.

"The session will deliberate on how to combat terrorism and desertification, the development of Africa's marine environment, as well as the West African States' 3-year moratorium on the exportation, importation and manufacture of small arms and light weapons".

The Heads of State would discuss the causes of the present limitations to the collective, sustained and effective African action on protracted conflicts on the continent.

They would also take a critical look at the impact of globalisation and liberalisation of international trade on Africa, and how best to mitigate its negative effects.

An advisory panel of experts to support Africa's diplomatic representation at the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP)/European Union, and World Trade Organisation negotiations would be established.

"Most members states will be called on to ratify and accede to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community (AEC) and also co-ordinate and harmonise the activities of regional groupings like ECOWAS, which serve as foundation blocks for the AEC Treaty, Mr Laryea said.