Official Opening of the 13th Ordinary Session of the Permenant Representatives Committee

(23/01/2007)

The following press release was issued by the African Union.

The official opening of the 13th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), took place yesterday at the head quarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in the presence of the Vice-president of the African Union Commission and the Commissioners.

Speaking at the session, the Chairperson of the PRC, Congolese Ambassador, H.E Serge Balle, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Congo, said that the 13th PRC ordinary session was preparing for the proceedings of the Executive Council, in conformity with the AU Constitutive Act.

He pointed out the heavy responsibility of the permanent representatives whose duty it is to ensure an effective follow-up of the implementation of the Decisions to be debated during the Summit, reiterating that, their role puts the PRC at the centre of the edification process of the African Union.

During the proceedings, the permanent representatives of member States examined a number of issues on the agenda, within the framework of the implementation process of the different Decisions, Declaration and other actions taken by the decision organ of the Union.

Concerning the Legal and Institutional matters, the Permanent Representatives examined reports relating to the state of the OAU/AU Treaty. Discussions also focused on refugees, repatriated and displaced persons in Africa, following a report that was presented by the Commissioner in charge of political affairs. 

The Forum of the pan-African private sector, the Congress of African Union scientists and policy makers as well as the partnership between Africa and emerging South countries were among other topics at the centre of discussions during the PRC meeting.

The PRC meeting continues today to examine other issues on the agenda. These include the African Union budget for the 2007 fiscal year, the solemn declaration of the African Union on gender equality in Africa, and the second Conference of African Intellectuals and of the Diaspora (CIAD II).

ENDS