KHARTOUM, Sudan, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- African Union members stressed at the end of a two-day summit in Khartoum the objective of political and economic integration.
The final communiqué issued at the end of the closing session late Tuesday underscored the importance of boosting education and culture as a prerequisite to achieving development and renaissance in Africa.
"African leaders acknowledged the role of education and culture to achieve social and economic development, considering them essential weapons for combating poverty and AIDS and boosting peace, stability and wise rule," the communiqué said.
It said AU members expressed deep concern over the consequences of drought in east Africa. It also called on the international community to act quickly and save lives.
The African leaders asked the governments of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe to submit reports on the state of human rights in their countries to the AU's human rights' committee within three months.
The summit approved bylaws for an African Academy for Languages in Mali.
Leaders also expressed appreciation for Sudan's decision to hold off on taking the bloc's leadership until 2007.
Congo-Brazzaville was chosen to chair the AU until 2006. Sudan was elected first vice president.
