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jambo
3300 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Jul 2006 : 19:07:37
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In my opinion, KUDOS to Gambia, its people and its president for pulling off the AU summit.  A lot of people were cynical that a small, poor country like Gambia could not cope with the AU. This was mainly AU veterans. 
Well they did, it went well, the sun shone, the local people accepted the disruptions and made other arrangements for travelling.
Was the AU a success who can say, they could hold it in another country same issue thats what makes it a success. Confusion less confusion in Gambia than Khartoum, visitors, heads of states more than Khartoum, why because it was Gambia, safe, sunny little country.
Should the president have invited Venezula and Iran to come to a summit that was about africa. Why not, if he upset other leaders that is their problem, but I did not hear of any African leaders being upset. Only the G8 countries 
I heard both speeches and I believe their issues are Africas issues.
I will make them another topic.
The heads of states were fabulous, they could have had more time for press interviews, but with the exception of four all attended. People have to remember that the AU it self was a sheraton for only two days before that peer reviews, nepad, womens pre au summit all at karaba, so the locals definately benefitted, Africell, Gamcell made millions of dls from cards. All hotels were booked, there was a shortage of petrol so locals shopped elsewhere, but it spread the economy around. A few road diversions! or closures, that happens in USA, Europe, has anyone tried travelling when there are demonstrations in london you find an alternative. I did not find a Gambian that was unhappy about the AU summit being held in its country. On the sunday there was a press call. Prseidnet o gambia and President of libya stood in the hotel grounds and watched the traditonal dancers. Press were going crazy Kofi Annan had his picture taken with the protocal staff, Mbeki did the same. Venezula went on a walk about around the sheraton, stood in the hallway and gave interviews. It was great, safe, relax and happy. Gleneagles, if the local left the village, did you seeany happy faces NO.
Think about it. As a host, GAMBIA job well done.
Now on to the issues.
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LEMON TIME
Afghanistan
1295 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2006 : 19:40:50
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| Jambo all of us can read the Gambia news about AU no need to bring all these Topics about au OR xyz. |
There is no god but Allah |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2006 : 19:48:57
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| Would you like me to stop then lemon tree, because i would not like to speak for all bantaba members. |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2006 : 19:50:49
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I think it nice to hear a first hand report. My guide has been texting me and he is very proud of how well things have gone and the job the Gambia has done. Unfortunately this will probably help the government stay in power.
South America and Africa have similar experiences in some ways, but I am not sure of the purpose of the invitation to Iran or what it has achieved. |
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LEMON TIME
Afghanistan
1295 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2006 : 19:56:12
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No dont stop bring it on then.
quote:
Originally posted by jambo
Would you like me to stop then lemon tree, because i would not like to speak for all bantaba members.
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There is no god but Allah |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2006 : 19:58:13
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| So lemontree, I think i will send the female activitists to you. any way i was there, and I have freedom of sppech, think about what you are reading gambia news very biased don't you think. |
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LEMON TIME
Afghanistan
1295 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2006 : 20:02:35
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| You so funny Jambo,female activitist to me WOW that would be great |
There is no god but Allah |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2006 : 20:14:30
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So lemontree, i will carry on. the purpose of iran was two fold.
One president yaya does not have a beef with Iran. He was holding a presitigous event in his country and could invite who he liked. end of story.
Two why not iran, who are we to say they cannot attend functions even if he did not make a speech he is entitled to visit.
If it upset America and it did and still does, who cares. The purpose of Iran is to give the media a chance to ask questions because without Gambia and the AU, the situation in Iran could be a closed shop.
Any situation that affects iran will affect the north africa states, if you think it wont think again.
It nice to see Iranians in the diaspora being able to meet their president. Iranian televison, BBC, reuters, AP RFI and lots more countries covered his speech. The iranian minsters were approachable. What have they got to hide, they want to speak and be seen.
Bev why did you only mention iran and not venezula.
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