AU Central Organ expresses concern over international tension arising from Iraq

Addis Ababa, February 4(ENA)-- The central organ of the mechanism for conflict prevention, management and resolution of the African Union (AU), meeting in its 7th ordinary session at a summit level on Monday in Addis Ababa expressed its deep concern over the heightened international tension arising from the issue of the disarmament of Iraq.

According to a declaration the central organ issued on Tuesday, a military confrontation in Iraq would be a destabilizing factor for the whole region and could have far reaching economic and security consequences for all countries of the world and, particularly for Africa.

Under these circumstances, the central organ reiterates its commitment to the effective implementation of resolution 1441 which requires that all weapons of mass destruction in Iraq should be eliminated.

It said Iraq should comply with the United Nations resolutions and fully cooperate with the inspection team.

"the central organ declares that the territorial integrity of Iraq should be respected and underlines that all diplomatic means should be pursued by the international community to ensure that the Iraqi government complies fully with the UN provisions."

It said any new decision on the matter should emanate from the UN Security Council, after considering the final the final report of the inspection team.

The central organ urges all the parties to make sustained efforts to avoid the use of force, while ensuring the implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.

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