African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Holds Talks in Tunis with Several Tunisian Personalities on the Margins of the 2nd Workshop of the AU Panel of the Wise

TUNIS, Tunisia, May 1, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr Jean Ping, participated from the 25th to the 29th of April, in Tunis, in the Workshop of the AU Panel of the Wise, organized on the theme: ''Strengthening of Political Governance for Peace, Security and Stability in Africa''.

Organised in cooperation with the African Leadership Centre, based in Nairobi, the Workshop follows the one held in Zanzibar, in December 2011 and contributed to the reflection initiated by the AU after the popular revolutions in North Africa, to enhance the democratic processes on the Continent, particularly through the scrupulous implementation of the relevant instruments of the AU.

The Chairperson of the Commission also participated, on 30 April 2012, in the 12th Meeting of the Panel of the Wise, devoted to the consideration of the crises and conflict situations in the Continent as well as the activities of the Panel for the rest of the year 2012.

On the margins of those important meetings, the Chairperson held talks with high Tunisian Personalities who participated in the two events, particularly the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Dr Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, the Chairman of the Ennahda Movement, Cheikh Rached Ghanouchi, the Second Deputy Speaker of the Constituent National Assembly, Mr Arbi Abid, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Rafik Abdessalem.

The talks focused on current African issues as well as the efforts of the AU in various fields of activity, particularly the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa.

In that context, the Chairperson highlighted the symbolism of the organisation of these meetings in Tunisia, the country where the popular uprisings which changed the whole Region and gave new impetus to democratic processes on the Continent, started. Dr Ping reiterated the determination of the African Union to continue to support Tunisia in its democratic transformation.

All the Tunisian Personalities who met with the Chairperson stressed the Pan-African commitment of the new Tunisia and underscored the African roots of Tunisia. They further pointed out that Tunisia's Pan-African roots are both geographical and historical and are an integral and fundamental component of the country's foreign policy.

The Tunisian Statesmen also reiterated the support of Tunisia to the African Union's efforts aimed at promoting peace, security and stability, particularly through respect for democratic norms and the promotion of good governance. In that regard, they welcomed the on-going reflection initiated by the AU Panel of the Wise and stated that they awaited with interest its outcomes.

The AU Commissioners for Peace and Security, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, and Political Affairs, Mrs Julia Dolly Joiner, attended the Chairperson's meetings with the Tunisian Statesmen and moderated interactive sessions of the Workshop of the Panel of the Wise.