Statement at the Fourth Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS

"There can be no peace, security and economic development in an atmosphere of conflict and political instability. Similarly, there also cannot be genuine stability and peace in an environment that is characterized by poverty, economic under-development and destruction of infrastructure. This is where the current ECOWAS extraordinary Summit is both timely and most welcome.

ECOWAS was established to promote the economic development and integration of the West African sub-region. The present move to establish a framework for conflict prevention, management and resolution within the sub-region, is by no means a coincidence. It is firmly rooted in the objective realities prevailing in the sub-region." - Dr. Salim, December 12, 1997