AU summit closed after discussions on MDGs, food crisis and Zimbabwe

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The 11th African Union (AU) summit closed here Tuesday after African leaders discussed how to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in Africa, how to reduce impact of soaring food prices on Africa and the problems in Zimbabwe.

Under the theme of "Meeting the Millennium Development Goals on Water and Sanitation," the summit was held on Monday and Tuesday in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh.

African leaders have extensively discussed issues like peace and security situation in Africa and how to deepen economic and political cooperation in Africa.

During the summit, African leaders noted that although great strides have been made in some countries especially in increasing school enrolment, improving access to clean water and expanding HIV/AIDS treatment, progress in many countries is not yet on track to meet the MDGs.

Meanwhile, the AU showed great concern over the impact of soaring food prices to Africa.

"This sharp increase (in basic food prices) has had a particularly negative effect on African countries," Jean Ping, chairman of the AU Commission, told AU foreign ministers meeting.

The 53-member body also adopted a resolution supporting the creation of a government of national unity for Zimbabwe through dialogue. The resolution encouraged both sides to live up to pledges to start dialogue to promote peace and stability.

It also recommended that mediation efforts by the regional Southern African Development Community be continued.

The AU, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa, has 53 members. Morocco is the only African country that is not a member.

The bloc was founded in July 2002 to replace the Organization for African Unity established in 1963, aiming at promoting cooperation, development and integration of the African continent.