In brief, Western democracy, as other political models, is not exportable to all regions of the world.

The birth of the African Union should encourage us to reexamine relations between African States.

The African Union has to act in order to put an end to armed conflicts that undermine the continent, to fight against the devastation caused by AIDS and other contagious diseases, to promote sustainable development of its member states.

The most powerful State in the world, which up to now was relatively protected from terrorist violence, is no longer an inviolable sanctuary.

For about ten years now, the struggle for democracy and the respect of human rights has been in the focus point - if not a commodity - of political groups aiming to rise to power.

I am in favor of complete freedom of information and of free access to the new communication tools, in particular the Internet.

It is important to stress: Africa is also a victim of the September 11 attacks.