President Mbeki Arrives in Comoros, 20 December 2003

President Thabo Mbeki today, Saturday - 20 December 2003 - in his capacity as OAU/AU-mandated co-ordinator of the Countries Of The Region On The Comoros, arrived in the Comoros to participate in a meeting bringing together the President of the Union Azali Assoumani, and the Presidents of the Islands.

Accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, President Mbeki is in the Comoros to facilitate discussions intended to deal with outstanding issues on the road to the resolution of the political challenges facing the people of the Comoros.

President Mbeki and his delegation received a warm welcome at the Moroni International Airport, after which, they attended the Opening Session at the State House. He urged all the leaders to commit themselves to a speedy resolution of outstanding issues.

"The African Union has been dealing with this matter since 1997. It is certainly our view that we have to conclude these discussions and there is no particular reason we should not conclude them today," said President Mbeki.

He encouraged the leaders to enter into the last round of negotiation inspired by a spirit of compromise and an unwavering commitment to breaking the impasse. President Mbeki reminded all participants that the big challenge all of us face, as Africans, is that of poverty among our people. It is therefore important to resolve these matters of political difference so as to create space for addressing the socio-economic problems facing the people of our continent, he concluded.

Issued by the Presidency on 20 December 2003.

For more information call David Hlabane on 09 871 763 23 1993 (landline) or 09 269 331 252 (mobile)