Addis Ababa Feb.21(ENA)--The Republic of Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, February 19,2003, deposited five instruments of ratifications of the Convention to the African Union Commission.

The ratifications are the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the African nuclear-weapon-free zone treaty (the treaty of Pelnidaba), the convention for the elimination of mercenarism in Africa, the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community and the convention on the prevention and combating of terrorism.

Equatorial Guinea permanent representative to the African Union, Apolinar Moiche Echek deposited the instruments of ratifications. Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, acting for the Interim Chairperson, Amara Essy, received the instrument of ratification.

According to an AU press release, Agubuzu expressed appreciation to the government and people of Equatorial Guinea and observed that that country has shown its commitment to the ideals of the AU and an unflinching interest in participating in all the treaties.

Ambassador Echek on his part underscored the importance his country attached to the ratifications and the deposit of the instruments with the commission, the release said.

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