- Title: NIGERIA: ECOWAS leaders meet in Nigeria to discuss Mali and Guinea
- Date: 18th July 2013
- Summary: ABUJA, NIGERIA (JULY 17, 2013) (REUTERS) DIGNITARIES TAKING THEIR SEATS AT CONFERENCE NIGERIA PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, ECOWAS CHAIRMAN, IVORY COAST PRESIDENT AND ECOWAS PRESIDENT SEATED PRESIDENTS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES SEATED MALIAN REPRESENTATIVE SEATED GUINEAN REPRESENTATIVE SEATED OTHER LEADERS SEATED VARIOUS OF DIGNITARIES SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (English) NIGERIA PRESIDENT, GOODLUCK JONATHAN, SAYING: "Our deliberations will highlight the existence of a growing convergence of views on the steps to be taken to deepen dialogue and reconciliation between stakeholders in that country. The definitive resolution of the Malian crisis will undoubtedly encourage our bilateral and multilateral partners to revamp development efforts in Mali." VARIOUS OF LIBERIAN PRESIDENT SEATED VARIOUS OF DIGNITARIES LISTENING FLAGS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES ON DISPLAY NIGERIA PRESIDENT AND HIS IVORY COAST COUNTERPART SEATED VARIOUS LEADERS SEATED BANNER SHOWING ECOWAS LOGO/SET OF MEMBER COUNTRIES' FLAGS (SOUNDBITE) (English) NIGERIA PRESIDENT, GOODLUCK JONATHAN, SAYING: "The economic and social conditions in Guinea Bissau have remained in dire straits despite concerted efforts by the ECOWAS commission and the transitional government to improve the living standards of the Guinea Bissau people. The continued isolation of Guinea Bissau and the freeze on international development assistance are aggravating the fragile economy as well as hampering concerted efforts to fight drug trafficking, illegal and irregular fishing in Guinea Bissau territorial waters and illegal exploitation of bauxite, phosphate and timber, among other natural and mineral resources." VARIOUS OF DIGNITARIES SEATED VARIOUS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL AND OTHER DIGNITARIES LISTENING WIDE OF VENUE
- Embargoed: 2nd August 2013 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Nigeria
- Country: Nigeria
- Topics: International Relations,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA6D1ZNX4NS4EQ09QNNVBCEMUHL
- Story Text: West African leaders met in Nigeria on Wednesday (July 17) for talks ahead of the July 28 elections in Mali and drug trafficking in Guinea Bissau.
The two-day summit will see the regional body discuss how to restore both countries to a constitutional government.
Mali's presidential hopefuls kicked off campaigning last week for an election intended to draw a line under a coup and an Islamist uprising, despite concerns that a rushed poll may sow the seeds of future strife.
"Our deliberations will highlight the existence of a growing convergence of views on the steps to be taken to deepen dialogue and reconciliation between stakeholders in that country. The definitive resolution of the Malian crisis will undoubtedly encourage our bilateral and multilateral partners to revamp development efforts in Mali," said Nigeria's President, Goodluck Jonathan while addressing the leader of other West African countries.
The West African body is also seeking to proffer solutions that will end decades of instability in the former Portuguese colony.
Guinea Bissau was thrown into turmoil last year when soldiers ousted interim President Raimundo Pereira and Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior days before a runoff election Gomes Junior was favoured to win.
Guinea-Bissau is rich in natural resources, including minerals, cashews, and some of the world's best fishing offshore, but political instability has hindered investment and kept most of its 1.6 million people mired in poverty.
"The economic and social conditions in Guinea Bissau have remained in dire straits despite concerted efforts by the ECOWAS commission and the transitional government to improve the living standards of the Guinea Bissau people. The continued isolation of Guinea Bissau and the freeze on international development assistance are aggravating the fragile economy as well as hampering concerted efforts to fight drug trafficking, illegal and irregular fishing in Guinea Bissau territorial waters and illegal exploitation of bauxite, phosphate and timber, among other natural and mineral resources," Nigeria's President Jonathan said.
The ECOWAS leaders also held talks behind closed doors on the political situation in Mali and Guinea Bissau. Talks will continue for a second day on Thursday (July 18). - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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