Addis Ababa, Feb. 3(ENA)--Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has reiterated Ethiopia's historical commitment for the unity of Africa 'with renewed vigor' and assured African leaders that his country will do its utmost to live up to their confidence.

The Prime Minister made the remark here on Monday at the inaugural ceremony of the newly built African Union Conference Center (AUCC) at the premises of the Union's Head Quarter in Addis Ababa, which is described as the Capital of Africa.

"Hosting the Organization of African Unity had always been a source of pride and honour for the Ethiopian government and people," Meles said.

"I will be remiss if I failed to express appreciation for Africa's unequivocal decision for Addis Ababa to continue to be the Headquarter of the Union."

The construction of the new conference center has been undertaken at a cost of over 11 million US dollars.

Meles acknowledged that the extensive mandate and the corresponding structure of the commission would require further expansion, and informed leaders attending the inauguration about his government's decision to provide the necessary land in the adjacent area for future expansion.

The inauguration was being held in conjunction with the First Extra-Ordinary Summit of the Assembly of the African Union, which brought together more than 30 African Heads of State and Government to the diplomatic city.

South African President Thabo Mbeki, who is the chairperson of the Union, said on the occasion that the center has been constructed "not for purposes of ostentatious display".

"It exists in order to improve the functioning of the Union. It exists because we need to create the necessary physical conditions for all the structures of the organization to function at their best," he said.

Mbeki thanked the governments of member states of the Union who contributed significant resources for the building of the center. "These sister countries have demonstrated in a practical way that we have both the determination and the ability to meet the challenges facing our continent."

The Interim Chairperson of the Commission of the AU, Amara Essy on his part said the building is yet another achievement which, once again, proved that by making collective efforts and working for the consolidation of the unity of its peoples and nations, Africa could produce positive results.

"The fact that the building is being inaugurated just after the launching of the African Union reaffirms our collective determination to endow the continental organization with enhanced capacities and revitalized structures," Essy said.

The conference center is composed essentially of a plenary hall with 462 seats, three committee rooms with a total capacity of 200 seats and an office complex.

The expanded requirements for the functioning of the organs of the African Union would need additional facilities, Essy said, adding, "I am confident that in this regard the spirit being demonstrated by Ethiopia towards the future needs of the Union will be emulated by all member states."

President Thabo Mbeki inaugurated AUCC.

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