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RB hails Chipolopolo as he promotes Chris Katongo and Dennis Banda

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Zambia National Team - Source BSkyB
Zambia National Team - Source BSkyB

President Rupiah Banda has applauded the Chipolopolo Boys for the splendid performance that the team exhibited at the on going 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations ( AFRCON )in neighbouring Angola.

President Banda said the Chipoloplo Boys demonstrated improvements in their entire style of play adding that this is the first time in the last 14 years, went past the preliminary round of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The national team was eliminated in the quarter final elimination by Nigeria.

President Banda was speaking at State House when he hosted a luncheon for the Zambia National team in Lusaka, today.

The President called for improved standards of Soccer and other sports disciplines in the country.

He says government fully supports any imitative that is aimed at reviving sporting standards in the country by encouraging the Private Public Partnership (PPP) to invest in sports infrastructure Development.

Mr Banda stressed that the current soccer fund raising Team Committee which is made up of members of the football fraternity, the cooperate sector and government will also be strengthened.

He said this Committee will focus on securing funding and logistical support for the National Team towards the 2012 Africa Cup and the 2014 FIFA world cup.

The president also thanked the cooperate world for the tremendous support that was rendered to the National Team.

Meanwhile president Banda as Commander in Chief of the armed Forces has with immediate promoted skipper Christopher Katongo and midfielder Dennis Banda, to warrant officer and to sergeant, respectively with immediate effect.

And FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya said he was pleased by the performance of the Chiploloplo Boys and valued the support that came from the head of state president Banda.

Mr Bwalya said this signifies the commitment that the team has shown to the continent and across the world.

ZANIS

Zambia recorded K179bn trade surplus in December 2009 – CSO

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Zambia recorded a trade surplus of K179 billion in December 2009. This signifies that the country exported more in December 2009 than it imported in value terms. This came to light during a Central Statistical Office (CSO) monthly bulletin in Lusaka yesterday.

CSO Director Efreda Chulu disclosed that Zambia’s major export products in December 2009 were from the intermediate goods category accounting for 80.7 percent comprising mainly Copper cathodes and sections of refined copper and articles of cobalt.

Ms. Chulu said raw materials came second with 12.2 percent comprising mainly copper ores and concentrates, while other exports included consumer goods and capital goods which collectively accounted for 7.1 percent of the total exports.

She noted that there had been a general increase in the total value of exports between November and December 2009, saying the country’s ever dominant metal products recorded a higher value in revenue growth of 9.4 percent in nominal terms.

Ms. Chulu revealed that Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) recorded a moderate decrease of export earnings of 24.2 percent in December 2009.

She said the overall total percentage contributions of metal products to the total exports earnings was 83.5 and 77.8 percent in December and November 2009, respectively while NTEs recorded export earnings of about 16.5 and 22.2 percent during the same period.

Ms. Chulu named the country’s major export destinations in December as Switzerland, South Africa, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Kingdom.

The CSO Director however said the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) regional grouping was the country’s largest export market accounting for 16.8 and 26.3 percent in December and November respectively.

She said South Africa was the dominant market in both months with 43.1 percent in December and 54.6 percent in November 2009 while DR Congo was the second dominant market in both months with 30.1 percent in December and 19.8 percent in November 2009.

She named other key export markets for the country in the SADC regional grouping as Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Malawi.

Meanwhile, Ms Chulu disclosed that Zambia’s major import products by category in December 2009 were from the intermediate goods which accounted for some 36.3 percent.

She said the total value of imports by Broad Economic Category (BEC) in December 2009 was valued at K1, 867.7 billion compared to K1, 671.7 billion in November 2009.

She said the most prominent imports were industrial supplies mainly in their primary and processed form and capital goods which collectively accounted for 70.3 and 66.5 percent in December and November 2009 respectively.

ZANIS

Ukrainian Doctor found dead in Solwezi

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A forty seven year old Ukrainian Medical Doctor was found dead at his residence in low density area of Solwezi yesterday morning.

The late medical doctor,Valerie Pryima of Solwezi General Hospital, was found dead at his residence. He lived alone as his entire family stays in Ukraine.

Both Northwestern Province police chief Fabian Katiba and Acting Provincial Medical Officer, Dr Simon Kunda confirmed the incident to ZANIS in a telephone interview in Solwezi today, January 28, 2010.

Mr Katiba said Dr Pryima’s body, was found lying in a pool of blood in his dining room at his residence in Solwezi’s low density area at around 08:30 hours yesterday.

He said the body was discovered by Dr Pryima’s named worker when he reported for work at 08 hours. He later reported the matter to police.

Mr Katiba said the late Dr Pryima sustained a cut on top of his right ear adding that police suspect foul play and has since launched a serious investigation to establish the casuse of Dr Pyima’s death.

He said the body of Dr Pyima is lying in Solwezi General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

ZANIS

Defaulting Government departments won’t be protected

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Choma District Commissioner Laiven Apuleni has criticitised government departments receive government funding but fail to settle electricity and water bills to utility companies that provide services. Mr. Apuleni said some government departments were deliberately neglecting their responsibilities of paying water bills, warning that his office would not protect defaulting departments from being disconnected.

He was speaking in Choma today when the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) handed over a K361 million cheque to Southern Water and Sewerage Company (SWASCO) under NWASCO’s Regulation By Incentive (RBI) scheme. He urged SWASCO not to hesitate to disconnect water supply to government departments that neglect paying their water bills.

Mr. Apuleni said government will continue supporting commercial water utility companies through a number of ways such as paying for its water bills. He said the development of infrastructure in water and sanitation services remains a government priority.

He said the Regulation By Incentive scheme, which was adopted by NWASCO, is another window through which commercial water utility companies in the country can access funds for investment. Mr. Apuleni appealed to SWASCO to use the initiative to seriously look at areas that will help turn around the commercial utility’s operations in the shortest possible time.[quote]

He thanked the Devolution Trust Fund, through NWASCO, for providing support in addressing problems of sanitation in the country. This is the second time NWASCO is awarding SWASCO. Last year, the company was awarded K464 million for improved performance.

And NWASCO board chairperson, Cosmas Musumali urged commercial water utilities in the country to reduce on unaccounted water losses. Dr Musumali said the current average for unaccounted water is 45 per cent countrywide.

He said this percentage was very high and therefore hindered the ability of the institutions to accelerate the provision of the quality services to the people. “Dilapidated infrastructure is a major contributor to this, followed by uncontrolled usage by customers due to low metering,” he said.

Dr Musumali said NWASCO will continue to monitor the performance of service providers and ensure that services are extended to more people particularly in the peri-urban areas.

ZANIS

KCM mines 41 958 tonnes of finnished copper

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Konkola Copper Mines PLC has disclosed that it has produced 41 958 tonnes of finished copper in the third quarter of the 2009-2010 FY.

The figure includes 13 641 tonnes from purchased concentrates and is significantly higher than the 25 472 tones in the third quarter of 2008.

This is contained in a press statement made available to ZANIS by KCM management in Lusaka yesterday.

KCM states that the increase has been due to the successful ramp up of the new 300, 000 capacity Nchanga smelter which has now been certified under ISO 900 for quality.

They stated that KCM is now focusing on acquiring the ISO 14001 certification for the environment in March this year and OHSAS 18001 for safety in August.

It says the increase in profitability was primarily on account of higher copper prices that average 6 643 dollars per tone in Q3 allied to lower operating costs.

KCM also reports that the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) is progressing well with cold commissioning of the rock winder for Mid- Shaft Loading (MSL) and all milestones have been achieved on time.

It is expected that commissioning of the MSL station will take place at the end of the FY 2009 and full project completion by end of 2012.

ZANIS

Nawakwi is a let down-Kafue FDD District Secretary

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FDD President Edith Nawakwi campaigning for RB in 2008 elections

The opposition FDD in Kafue has advised its party president Edith Nawakwi to stop complaining that she was being sidelined by President Rupiah Banda despite backing him in the last presidential by-election.

Speaking in an interview in Kafue yesterday, Kafue FDD District Secretary Maxwell Ngoma flanked by his Constituency Chairman Kasumba Ngulube said Ms. Nawakwi’s decision to back President Banda in the 2008 Presidential Election did not have any blessing from the party.

The duo have accused the opposition leader of being a sell out who does not deserve sympathy from party members.[quote]

Mr. Ngoma stated that Ms Nawakwi should blame herself for what she is going through because she decided to back the ruling party instead of the opposition.

He added that it is wrong for Nawakwi to claim that she made President Banda to go to State House when she was not the only one supporting President Banda.

Mr. Ngoma explained the stance being taken by Nawakwi clearly demonstrates that she wanted to sell FDD to the ruling party so that she can be given a higher job in the ruling party.

He said that the FDD are not surprised to see that its president has continued attacking President Rupiah Banda in the press for failure for the two leaders to honor their agreement.

He however, stated that although the party does not agree with the statement which was coming from the MMD youths to gang rape the FDD leader there was need for the two parties to settle their agreement amicably.

He noted that it is sad that Ms Nawakwi has even failed to reorganize the FDD at the expense of her own personal interest.

He called on President Nawakwi to quickly call for a national convention in order to elect new leaders if the party is to win 2011 General Elections. He said the party is currently dormant because Nawakwi has failed to reorganize it.

ZANIS/

Nakonde gives Zesco ultimatum

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CIVIC leaders in Nakonde district in Northern Province have given ZESCO management a 48 -hour ultimatum in which to replace the damaged transformer at the local sub-station as power black out enters sixth day today.

The visibly annoyed councilors lead by their council chairman Luka Simusamba who visited ZESCO offices yesterday afternoon said they were not happy with the pace at which ZESCO was moving at in rectifying the problem.

Councilor Simusamba said the security of the border town was being compromised because of the power black out adding that people’s lives and property was at high risk because of the continued power black out.

He said that water supply in the district has also been affected forcing people to be drawing water from unprotected wells and scoops along the river banks the sources he said were highly contaminated especially during the rain season.

Councilor Simusamba who is also Mulalo MMD ward councilor further said the mortuary can no longer keep dead bodies in the fridges forcing friends and relatives of the dead to burry the same day one dies or take the dead to Isoka district hospital mortuary situated about 118 km from the border..

And old Fife MMD ward councilor Julius Chisasa has said that the ZESCO power black out has halted operations in almost all the departments in the border town including parastatal and Non-Governmental Organisations [NGO’s].

Councilor Chisasa added that business in town has also grounded to a halt with most of the traders having recorded huge loses as a result of the power black out.

Meanwhile, people with generators have taken advantage of the power black out to make money through charging cell phones at an exorbitant price..

They are charging between K3000 and K4000 for charging a phone for only two to three hours while long queue have been formed at grinding mills which uses diesel.

A grinding mill operator in old Nakonde told Zambia News and Information Services [ZANIS] that business has been boosted greatly adding that they have since come up with two shifts, one in the day and one running through out the night so as to serve people who have been making long queue ever since the district was plunged into total darkness six days ago.

Nakonde district has been plunged into total darkness following a serious fault at the ZESCO sub station last week on Friday.

Efforts to get in touch with ZESCO marketing and public relation officer failed.
However, sources said power is likely to be restored in Nakonde by Wednesday next week after the arrival of another transformer from the Copper belt.

ZANIS

RB commended for his political will on soccer

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Southern Provincial Sports Coordinator, Gibson Muyaule has commended President Rupiah Banda for showing political will towards development of soccer in the country.

Muyaule said president Banda’s interest and involvement as evidenced by his chartering of a plane to ferry soccer players who had difficulties connecting flights from Angola back to Zambia is a sign that government is concerned with soccer sports affairs in the country.

He said it was encouraging to note that political leaders are helping improve falling soccer standards in the country.

Muyaule disclosed that the Ministry of Sport’s intention was to give the players US$6, 000 if they qualified but with Mr.Banda’s intervention the decision was reversed to pay the players the same amount even after losing to Nigeria in the quarter finals on post match penalties in the 2010 AFCON tournament in Angola.

He further president Banda had also helped mobilize business houses in fundraising for the Chipolopolo Boys.

Muyaule described the Chipolopolo Boys’ performance in a game against Nigeria, as excellent.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Livingstone, Muyaule said it was the first time in 14 years that Zambia reached quarter finals in Africa games.

“Chipolopolo Boys played very well and it was one of the best team at the tournament that is why they went all the way up to the penalties. As you know, penalties are a game of chance,” he observed.

However, Muyaule noted that there is need to improve on scorer adding that Zambia would have beat Nigeria had the team utilized the chances at the goal post.

I have never rigged an election-Vernon Mwaanga

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Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga waves MMD party slogans during a campaign rally in Luanshya in 2008 elections
Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga waves MMD party slogans during a campaign rally in Luanshya in 2008 elections

Veteran politician and Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga has said that he has never rigged an election adding that it is for this reason that his name has never come up in any presidential petitions in the courts of law. Mr Mwaanga said that contrary to speculations that he will help rig the elections in favour of the ruling MMD, he will only help his party to strategize on how to win the polls next year.

Mr Mwaanga vowed to use his experience and strategies to ensure the MMD bounces back to power in next year’s general elections. He expressed confidence that the MMD will win the 2011 elections. He said that all political parties participating in next year’s polls will strategize on how to win the elections and that the MMD will be no exception.

He said there was need for the MMD to energize itself from the branch to the national level in readiness for the general elections next year.

Last Saturday, the MMD appointed a political mobilization Taskforce to rejuvenate the party and come up with a “winning formula” for the 2011 elections.

And in another development , Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata has charged that rigging of elections in Zambia will continue until the Zambian voter wakes up.

Mr Sata said while the Electoral Commission of Zambia is very capable of organizing elections in the country , the appointment of most of the senior officials at the commission by the government makes the situation awkward. He said that because of this, it has become very difficult for the officials at the ECZ to organize elections against their employer.[quote]

Speaking on Joy FM’s The Platform programme this morning, Mr Sata said the only way the way the MMD can be outdone in the 2011 elections is by appealing to the people of Zambia to come out en mass and vote against the MMD.

And Mr Sata says there is nothing spectacular about a coalition government and that there is no need to legislate. Responding to the question by the presenter on how the PF/UPND Pact will function as a government if voted into power bearing in mind that there is no legislation which sets up conditions for a coalition government, Mr Sata said there is no place anywhere in the world where conditions are set for a for a coalition government.

QFM

Chief Nalubamba appeals for mortuary

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Senior chief Bright Nalubamba of Namwala district has appealed to Namwala district council to consider building a mortuary at Chitongo health centre.

Chief Nalubamba suggested that the council should use part of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to construct a mortuary at the clinic. He said building a mortuary at the clinic would reduce bereaved families’ burden of transporting their deceased relatives’ bodies to Namwala district hospital mortuary.

He told ZANIS that bereaved families resort to burying their loved ones immediately they pass on without waiting for other relatives to arrive because of lack of a mortuary in the area.

“ I wish to appeal to the council as they sit to debate on how they are going to utilize the CDF, let them think of constructing a mortuary here so that people can bury their deceased relatives with dignity,” he said.

And chief Nalubamba said people in Chibote village have shown commitment to continuing the stalled community school building project which is funded by Community Response to HIV/AIDS (CRAIDS).

Addressing scores of villagers during a meeting to find the way forward on the stalled school project, Chief Nalubamba said each village would raise K100, 000 towards the purchase of some building materials such as cement that went to waste.

ZANIS

MMD deserves praise – Chief Mungaila

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Chief Mungaila of the Ila people of Namwala district in Southern province says he would continue to support the ruling party because it had initiated a number of developmental projects in Namwala.

Chief Mungaila said the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) government deserves praise for implementing developmental projects such as roads, school infrastructure, health centres and other projects.

He told ZANIS today that the ruling party has delivered on some of its promises to the people in the district.

He cited the Namwala Modern Basic School and Niko Technical Girls High schools, whose construction works has reached advanced stages.

The traditional leader also cited the Maala and Choma -Namwala roads as some of the projects the ruling party should be praised for.

He said it was in this regard that he would offer unwavering support to the current government to continue with the delivery of developmental programmes in the district.

“There is no one who can stand today and say that the MMD government has done nothing in the district. We have seen a lot of development in terms of school infrastructure and health centres being constructed and other projects being implemented,” he said.

And commenting on the 2011 general elections, chief Mungaila advised Zambians to vote wisely for a credible leader who would steer the nation to further economic development.

ZANIS

Zambia has record growth in ICT investments – Lungwangwa

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Communication and Transport Minister Geoffrey Lungwangwa

Communications and Transport Minister Geoffrey Lungwangwa says Zambia has shown growth in attracting investment in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Sector.

Prof. Lungwangwa says the sector has recorded over 32 percent penetration rate growth compared to 0.02 percent recorded 14 years ago.

The Minister said this in an interview with ZANIS at the ongoing 14th African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said investments in the ICT sector have continued to pour in since the country launched the policy in 2007 adding that the policy has created an environment for the growth of the sector.

Prof. Lungwangwa said the country now has eighteen (18) participants within the ICT sector compared to one (1) that existed before.

He cited the mobile manufacturing company and various internet service providers as some of the investments that the country has attracted.

The Minister said the government expects more investments in the sector as soon as the country completes the development of the optic fibre infrastructure back bone.

The installation of the optic fibre is expected to make the provision of ICT cheaper.

Prof. Lungwangwa, however, said that the increase in investment in the ICT sector has been achieved amid a number of challenges.

He said the country needed to roll out ICT to rural areas so that people can access internet that they could use to better their living standards.

Prof. Lungwangwa and Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande who arrived here last night are among African Foreign Affairs Ministers attending the 16th ordinary session of the executive council meeting which opened this morning.
The meeting is expected to adopt the agenda for the heads of state and government summit slated for 31st of January to the 2nd of February, 2010.

ZANIS

Zambia’s inflation rate reduces to 9.6 per cent

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The annual rate of inflation, as measured by the all items Consumer Price Index (CPI) has declined from 9.9 percent in December 2009 to 9.6 percent in January 2010, representing a 0.3 percentage points decline.

Central Statistical Office Director Efreda Chulu attributed the decline in the annual inflation rate in January 2010 to continued reductions in the prices of food.

Ms. Chulu, however, says the increase in the price of fuel would be reflected in the February 2010 CPI because it was effected outside the institution’s reference period.

She said in a speech read for her by CSO Deputy Director John Kalumbi at a CSO monthly bulletin in Lusaka today, that of the total 9.6 annual inflation in January 2010, food products accounted for 3.6 percentage points, while non food products in the CPI collectively accounted for a total of 6.0 percentage points.

“The annual food inflation rate was recorded at 7.1 percent in January 2010. This is a decline from 0.8 percent in December 2009. The decrease in the cost of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, oil and fats contributed most to the decline in food inflation. However, increases were recorded in the cost of mealie meal, maize grain and cereal products”, Ms Chulu said.

Ms. Chulu further disclosed that annual non-food inflation rate was recorded at 12.0 percent in January 2010, saying this was an increase from 11.8 percent in December 2009.

She said regarding disaggregate groups, the annual inflation rates declined for clothing and footwear, furniture and household goods, medical care, transport and communications, recreation and education, among other goods and services.

The CSO Director also said the annual inflation rate increased for rent, fuel and lighting.

“A comparison of the retail prices between December 2009 and January 2010 shows that the national average price of 1kg of dried kapenta reduced by 1.6 percent, from K 48,526 to K47, 761. The national average prices of 1kg of pumpkin leaves reduced by 13.6 percent, from K2, 984 to K2, 577”, she revealed.

She however said the national average prices of a 25 kg bag of white roller meal increased by 3.8 percent, from K47, 736 to K49, 554, while the average price of a 20 litre tin of maize grain increased by 1.7 percent, from K25, 806 to K26, 247.

ZANIS

Establish effective ways of managing energy sector – Konga challenges COMESA

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Energy and Water Development Minster Kenneth Konga

Government has urged the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to establish effective ways of managing the energy sector to enhance regional development.

Energy Minister Kenneth Konga says the energy sector is an important component for achieving economic integration and raising the standards of living of people in the region.

Mr. Konga was speaking in Lusaka today when he officially opened the First Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA).

He observed that the success of the integration programme in the COMESA region depends significantly on the ability of the energy sector.

Mr. Konga said this is why there is need for member states to develop reliable energy infrastructure that can assist countries to expand their intra and extra trade through reduced costs that can enhance international competitiveness.

He further disclosed the Zambian government was currently working on measures aimed at promoting private power investment in the country.

And COMESA Acting Secretary General Nagla El-Hussainy said the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa is important for facilitating the trade of energy services in the region.

Ambassador El-Hussainy reiterated the need for member states to come up with innovative ways of tackling the many challenges facing the energy sector in the region.

The RAERESA AGM has attracted participants from COMESA, SADC and East African Countries (EAC) regions.

ZANIS

RB expected in Ethiopia tomorrow

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President Rupiah Banda is tomorrow expected to join 50 other African Heads of State and government in Addis Ababa for a three-day 14th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU). According to the programme released by the Zambian Mission here, President Banda is among Heads of State and government scheduled to address the summit.

Mr. Banda is particularly expected as chairperson of the International Conference of Great Lakes Region, to report to the summit on the progress made so far from the time he took over the chairmanship. The President is also expected to be among ten Heads of State and government expected to attend the committee of ten on the United Nations Reforms.

Zambia is a member of the committee of 10 tasked to see how best Africa can increase its representation at the UN Security Council. Currently Africa is only represented on the Council by Libya, Garbon, Uganda and Nigeria. Mr. Banda will also attend the 12th summit of the Africa Pear Review Mechanism forum.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Rupiah Banda is expected to hold meetings with Professor Luis Marianno Joubertt Mate of Venezuela among others.

Meanwhile, the 16th ordinary session of the executive council comprising Ministers of Foreign Affairs opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this morning with call for decisive action towards the improvement of the living standards of the African people.
Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande who arrived here last night was among African Foreign Affairs Ministers attending the meeting held at the AU building.

In his opening statement, Chairperson of the AU Commission Jean Ping said time has come for African leaders to strengthen organs and institutions of the AU to eradicate poverty among the people of Africa. Mr. Ping said it was the duty of African leaders to strengthen and empower the AU organs and institutions in order for the body to effectively carry out its mandate of improving the living standards of the African people.

He also called on African leaders to find lasting solutions to conflicts that have rocked most parts of the continent. The AU Commission Chairperson also emphasized the need for peace and security on the continent saying this is the only way Africa can improve the living standards of the people.

And officially opening the meeting, Council Chairperson who is also Libyan Foreign Affairs Minister, Mousa Kousa called on member states to expedite the process of transforming the AU into the United States of Africa. He said once transformed into the United States of Africa, the AU will be an effective tool to carrying out the goals of Africa.

Mr. Kousa also called on member states to honour their contributions to the Union. He said the outstanding arrears are a source of concern to the AU. The meeting is expected to adopt the agenda for the Heads of State and government summit slated for 31st January to 2nd February, 2010.

The Heads of State and government summit is expected to unpack the theme of the summit which has been widely viewed as one of the areas with the potential to enhance the development of the continent. The summit is also expected to discuss the report of the commission on unconstitutional changes of governments before considering adopting various reports, among them, the peace and security situation in Africa.

In addition, the summit will discuss the report of the ministerial meeting on the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The summit will also launch the AU flag and present awards to two African scientists who won the continental science prizes before climaxing into the 14th ordinary session of the heads of state and government summit.

ZANIS

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