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.

Because the world is in economic recession, which worsened since this drama happened, and our country will bear the burden of all of these consequences.

My actions to promote peace, the mediation missions which I carried out during many conflicts, which very often occurred between brothers of the same country, are not driven by any ulterior motives or any calculations based on personal ambitions.

But since independence, Gabon is one of the few countries in Central Africa that enjoys peace and stability.

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

The introduction of political pluralism often quickly led to bad results.

But the Western countries that link their partnership with the poorest countries with respect for democracy also have to consider that they have obligations towards these countries.