ADDIS ABABA, March 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The Third African Development
Forum has concluded in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia,
during which an ambitious agenda for African development has been
adopted, and delegates from at least 40 African countries have
returned with a document entitled "Consensus Statement and the Way
Ahead" in their pockets.
   Observers here held that the document is not only the consensus
reached during the forum, but also it is the guideline for African
countries to help solidify support for many broader pan-African
initiatives, including the New Partnership for the African
Development (NEPAD).
   The topics discussed at the forum were reflective of NEPAD's
goals and  representative of the new way that many African
countries are looking to solve the problems that are plaguing the
continent.
   It is a new approach to bring Africa into a globalized world
and encourages stable governance and economic growth.
   Similar efforts echoed in a meeting of the Organization of
African Unity (OAU) to direct Africa at a crossroads.
   The 75th Ordinary Session of the Council of Minister of the OAU,
currently being held in Addis Ababa, discusses the draft rules of
procedure and regulations of the major organs in making of the
African Union (AU).
   Agreement was reached that peace and good governance are the
core for the African countries to seek economic and political
integration in the region.
   Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi described the result of
the session as important pillars of the AU, holding that
participants carry a heavy responsibility during this critical
transition period in the history of the African people.
   The establishment of the AU aims to create a democratic space
across Africa to promote economic development and to reflect a
common African identity.
   Diplomats said while the AU is likely to be the instrument for
the long-term development of the continent, the NEPAD is the
foundation that will serve as the primary tool for carrying out
this evolution.
   There are, however, major challenges the AU must successfully
overcome if any of their goals is going to become a reality.
Oppressive debts, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the lack of
infrastructure are just a few.
   To overcome these challenges will not be easy, but discussions
at the meeting offered some positive signals that leaders and
countries are least recognizing the difficulties that must be
confronted.
   The consensus states that "the success of the AU will depend on
good governance, stakeholders participation, human rights and
democratization at all levels. There is a need to deepen democracy
and promote participation. The criteria for a country's continued
membership in the AU includes a commitment to respect human rights,
democracy and the rule of law."
   As long as conflict remains in the primary dialogues between
certain nations in Africa, continental integration will not become
a reality. Peace urgently needs to be established, not only to
preserve human lives, but to achieve any economic advances in
Africa.
   The voices and energy that came from the forum illustrated that
Africa does have its own ideas and is actively seeking to empower
itself.  Enditem

   by Li Dawei