U.N. drums up support for Africa

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The head of the African Union says the United Nations will reaffirm its support for an ambitious development program for Africa.

The chairman of the group, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, told reporters that the United Nations would adopt a political declaration reaffirming the world's support for Africa, the Voice of America said Tuesday.

Kikwete also said African nations were ready to do their share to improve conditions.

"African leaders themselves have clearly stated their intention to firmly tackle the continent's problems and they have repeatedly acknowledged their primary responsibility to do so," he said.

Kikwete's statements came after U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Monday for developed nations to contribute around $72 billion per year in aid to fund the Millennium Development Goals by the 2015 target date.