Statement at the Africa Day Reception

"In the previous years that we have had a reception on this day, I have never found it necessary to make a statement, but today's celebration has a particular significance which justifies making brief remarks. Africa Day, today, happens to fall on the eve of the entry into force of the Constitute Act of the African Union. In a real sense, therefore, this is a double celebration. We are not only commemorating the founding of the OAU thirty-eight years ago. With the imminent entry into force of the Constitute Act tomorrow, the 26th of May 2001, we now stand on the threshold of the fulfillment of the legal requirements for launching the African Union." - Dr. Salim, May 25, 2001