Egypt calls for int'l strategy to stand up to disputes in West Africa

Egypt called on the international community to work on developing a complete and coherent strategy to support the West African region and stand up to disputes threatening security and stability in these countries.

Egypt also welcomed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's mission sent to the West African region in March, describing it as a radical change in the International Organization's way of dealing with multiple problems which negatively affect countries of the whole region.

This came in a statement delivered by Egypt's chief delegate to the UN Ambassador Ahmed Abul Gheit before the UN Security Council's session held late Tuesday.

The Egyptian Ambassador considered the Economic West Africa Association Society (ECWAS) as the most comprehensive regional framework for treating trans-border challenges from which the region's countries are suffering.

Abul Gheit welcomed Anna's decision to set up a regional office for the UN in west Africa in the Senegalese capital Dakar as of January.

This office will serve as a means of permanent communication that would enable the international community to set the priorities of ECWAS.