Addressing the 120th IPU assembly here, Seyoum said that given the influence the parliamentarians have in their respective countries and that of the IPU, the declaration of the assembly would have great importance and meaning to Africa.

Seyoum insisted the current economic downturn should not affect the encouraging progress Africa has been registering over the past few years.

“…over the last few years, Africa has been making real progress in the areas of economic, peace and democratization,” he said.

However, according to the minister the damaging consequence of the current economic crisis could undermine whatever progress Africa has made in building peace and democratization.

The minister urged the participants saying the ongoing world-wide economic downturn should not be allowed to undermine the momentum that has been created to strengthen peace and security in Africa.

“I should reiterate that… there is no alternative to cooperation and coordination…during difficult times when the consequences of failures to do so are grave,” the minister said.

“For all these reasons that we all look forward with a great deal of anticipation to the conclusions of your deliberations,” Seyoum said.

T--4:40-4:50pm

E--4:55pm

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