KARACHI: Heads of Missions of six African countries in Pakistan in a joint statement yesterday expressed their “sincere appreciation” of the “contribution of the Government and people of Pakistan” towards the realisation of the ideals of the Organisation of African Unity. The statement issued on the occasion of the second anniversary of the inauguration of the organisation, which falls today, said that the OAU stands for the eradication of colonialism, neo-colonialism, imperialism and opportunism in all their forms. Stressing that “In unity lies our ability to accomplish these objectives,” the Heads of Missions have expressed the hope that “Africa and Asia will keep on marching together for the entire emancipation of mankind”.

The six Heads of Missions are from Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan and the United Arab Republic. The statement said: “Africa today, joined by the whole world, celebrates the second anniversary of the inauguration of the Organisation for African Unity. May 25 comes each year as a landmark in the history of this continent which has striven by dynamic efforts to destroy all colonial chains of bondage and to establish itself on the platform of freedom and moral justice in the world. That is the main reason why today has been earmarked for celebration by peoples of the African continent as Africa Liberation Day. The stature of the Organisation cannot be measured merely in terms of its age. Its achievements speak for themselves and its giant growth within a relatively short time has been phenomenal.”

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2015

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