Call for improving situation of African war veterans

The standing commission of African affairs stemming from the world federation of former resisters has called for the improvement of the precarious situation of African war veterans, especially those who served in European armies during World War II.

The call was launched at a news conference here on Friday by members of the commission which is holding its 10 session in Rabat, this March 11 through 14.

The commission members urged the world federation of former resisters and African governments to conduct the necessary moves to sensitize concerned European countries to the dire material and moral situation of African former resisters and to prompt them improve this situation in recognition of the sacrifices they made in favor of peace and freedom.

They also called the media to grant due interest to the situation of African war veterans.

The African war veterans claim that they be compensated for injuries, that their retirement pensions be reconsidered, that their widows be entitled to receive half of these pensions and that all the pending dossiers be settled.

Chairman of the world federation of former resisters conceded that the federation had difficulties in meeting all the claims of African former resisters.

As to the role of the federation, he said it mainly lies in sensitizing the future generations to the dangers of war, the importance of human rights preservation, and the need to promote the culture of peace, struggle against arms race and consolidate the principles of democracy.

The standing commission which comprises associations and institutions interested in issues of African war veterans, fighters and war victims endeavors to improve the material and moral situation of former war veterans in Africa.

It is also concerned with the establishment of international peace and security and advocates dialogue for conflict settling.