Qathafi agrees to continue his presidency for the Maghreb Union

The Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi has agreed to continue his chairmanship for the Arab Maghreb Union until the convening of the Union's summit which will be set shortly.

This came following an extra ordinary meeting for the Union's foreign ministers held in Tripoli on Saturday.

On December 8, Libya announced giving up its presidency for the Union, accusing some of its member states of what it called violation of its foundation principles.

For his part, the Libyan (foreign minister) Abdul Rahman Shalqam stressed that the Libyan leader noted during his meeting with the Union's foreign ministers that revitalizing the union should be based on genuine consultation and coordination among the Arab Maghreb member states.

Tripoli assumed the presidency of the Arab Maghreb in 2003 in conclusion of the conference of the foreign ministers of the Union's states which was held in Algiers.

Worthy mentioning that the recent Arab Maghreb summit was held in Tunis in 1994. The Union includes each of Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania.