Gadhafi elected AU rotating President

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-03-2009 09:53

The African Union has elected Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi to head the continental organization at its summit in Ethiopia.

The chairmanship of the African Union is a rotating position held by a head of state for one year.

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi arrives at the African Union Meeting in Addis Ababa, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Samson Halieyesus)

Amid warm applause from leaders attending the summit, Gadhafi was presented with a ceremonial hammer as confirmation of his election. The Libyan leader pledged to fulfill his responsibilities and work to establish a united Africa.

Muammar Gadhafi, Libyan leader, said, "I think the coming time will be a time of serious work and a time of action, and not words."

Gadhafi first proposed the concept of a "United States of Africa" ten years ago. Under the proposal, the single African government would have its own central bank, army and parliament to face globalization challenges and raise Africa's international status.

His proposal is opposed by some African countries who say the establishment of a united government would hurt the interest of individual countries.

However, the leaders of the African Union HAVE agreed during the summit to upgrade the AU Commission to the executive administrative organ of the bloc, which might lead to an eventual united African government.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei