Afro-Arab summit concluded, common economic council established

Concluding deliberations of the Afro-Arab summit which was held in Libya over the two past days, the participants announced the establishment of a coalition for the countries of the African coasts and Sahara.

The treaty setting up the coalition was signed by Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Libya, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. Libyan President Gaddafi was chosen as chairman of the first current session of the coalition and Tripoli, Libya as its headquarters.

In the Summit's closing session, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said this historic act "the coalition" is for the interests of the people of the region, for promoting the region's development, as well as political, economic, social and security projects for some 130 million people, noting that other countries can have access to the coalition.

The coalition signatory states approved the establishment of a common economic council for member states, a central bank, a legislative council and a mechanism to settle disputes.

The agreement, which was signed on Thursday by Sudan, Libya, Niger, Mali, Chad and Burkina Faso, states support for cooperation between these states and to facilitate trade exchange and joint investment ventures.