Ethiopia’s support for liberation movements helped Africans achieve independence: ambassador

Addis Ababa, January 30(ENA)-- The Sudanese Ambassador to Ethiopia said Ethiopia's significant contribution and dedication had enabled the country to be the seat of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and African Union (AU).

Osman El-Sayed Fadal El seed said "... The people and government of Ethiopia have always been in the forefront of supporting African issues dedicating themselves to the liberation movements. That is why it was chosen as a capital of the OAU and AU."

In an interview with ENA on Wednesday, Ambassador Osman said Ethiopia was extending support to the liberation movements of Africa such as the African National Congress (ANC), Zambia, Zimbabwe, among others.

He said Ethiopia was a country that has long been in the vanguard of the struggle for a politically and economically integrated Africa.

Referring to the union, Osman said the formation of the AU was the realization of the dreams of the founding fathers including Emperor Haile-Selassie, Kwame Nikrumah and Jomo Kenyata, among others.

Concerning the upcoming summit, the ambassador said "It (summit) is special in a sense that it is the first African Extraordinary summit. It is also special that the leaders in their wisdom have decided to choose Addis Ababa as the political capital of Africa, venue of AU."

He said the summit would discuss the amendment of the continental organization's charter as proposed by some member states to make AU more operational and functional.

Osman said " I think AU will be in a position to address all of the problems of Africa, be it the political, economical , security and commerce, etc."

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