AU summit opens with anti-war call

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- The 14th Summit of the African Union opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a call to end the continent's coups, wars and conflicts, observers said.

AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping opened the summit Sunday by issuing a condemnation of African countries that participate in wars, coup d'etats and other conflicts, saying they are perpetual setbacks to the growth of the African continent, the Ghana News Agency reported.

Ping told attendees, "Positive development on the continent will remain fragile and elusive if member countries continue to engage in such negative and unprofitable practices," and noted that the AU has adopted a firm stance opposing coup d'etats. He called for vigilance in protecting the peace processes in Africa and also vowed to fight human and drug trafficking and organized crime.

The news agency said Ping characterized 2009 as a mixed year of successes and challenges for Africa. Among the high points, he said, were the establishment of unity governments in Kenya and Zimbabwe, while Guinea is moving toward democratic rule. Ping praised Burundi and Uganda for sending peacekeeping troops to Somalia and applauded the resumption of relations between Chad and Sudan.