LIBYA has appealed for Ghana’s support for the Libyan Leader, Muammar al-Qathafi, as the new chairman of the African Union (AU).

Dr. Rafe Almadance, a Special Envoy of Col. Al-Qathafi, made the appeal when he led a five-member delegation to deliver a special message from the Libyan leader to President Mills at the weekend. He also delivered a congratulatory message from Col. Al-Qathafi to President Mills on his election to the high office.

Dr. Almadane recalled the bond of friendship between the two countries and expressed the hope that this would be strengthened for the mutual benefit of their people. He commended Ghana’s role in the formation of the Organization of African Union (OAU), particularly the pioneering role by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, assign that the vision of the founding fathers of the United States of Africa would be pursued.

The Libyan leader was elected by the Heads of State of the 53-member union behind closed doors at a summit in Ethiopia early this month to replace the Tanzanian President, Mr. Jakaya Kikwete. In his inaugural speech, Col. Al-Qathafi pledged to pursue his vision of a United States of Africa. He told fellow African leader that his unity project would be approved at the next meeting in July unless there was a majority of members opposed to it.

President Mills, for his part, pledged Ghana’s support for the AU, saying “There is always an advantage when we pool our resources and co-ordinate our efforts on a number of issues.” He said Ghana already had a history in that regard and would continue to follow that direction, adding that “we send our gratitude to al-Qathafi and wish to assure him of our fullest support”.

Source: Daily Graphic.