African Union Debates Conflicts and Development

African Union Debates Conflicts and DevelopmentMalabo, Jul 1. -The 17th Conference of Heads of State and Government of the African Union continued meeting on Friday, focused on different problems affecting this continent, such as the Libyan conflict, and advocating united strategies for continent-wide development.

In his opening statement, AU Commission chairman Jean Ping urged Africa to join forces to solve the situation in Libya, a country under attack by NATO forces.

Ping also praised the efforts of the AU Mediation Commission in trying to reach peace in that northern country through dialogue and an immediate cease-fire.

Africa has become the world's most profitable region, with predicted growth of more than 5.5 percent for 2012, according to economic experts.

The AU summit also analyzed the role played by young people in Africa, and their training to contribute to greater development in the region. (Prensa Latina)