http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/02/200922113838580502.html
Monday, February 02, 2009
15:39 Mecca time, 12:39 GMT
African Union names Gaddafi as head
Gaddafi has in the past proclaimed himself the "king of
kings" among the traditional kings of Africa [AFP]
Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, has been namedd as chairman of the
53-nation African Union.
Gaddafi was elected "by the heads of state in a closed-door session, for
a one-year period," Habiba Mejri-Sheikh, the AU spokeswoman, said.
Gaddafi was handed the chairman's gavel by Jakaya Kikwete, the Tanzanian
president and outgoing AU leader, to applause from other leaders on Monday.
Some members of the union were, however, said to be uneasy about his
nomination.
Gaddafi has long promoted stronger union within the organisation and
previously outlined his vision for a continent wide government.
He has also previously said he want a single African military force, a
single currency and a single passport for Africans to move within the
continent.
In a closed door debate earlier on Monday, he Gaddafi failed to receive
backing for the idea of a so-called "United States Of Africa".
Leaders decided instead to consider ways of expanding the mandate of the
existing AU Commission, which will be renamed the AU Authority.
Last August, a meeting of more than 200 African kings and traditional
rulers bestowed the title "king of kings" on the Libyan leader.
In its earlier sessions, AU delegates called for a lifting of sanctions
against Zimbabwe.
The call followed the announcement on Friday that the opposition would be
joining a unity government.
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