(The Star-Kenya) Eliud Kibii - African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki on Friday defended his decision to admit Israel as an African Union observer state. Faki said he made the decision on the basis of recognition of Israel and the restoration of diplomatic relations with more than 2/3 of AU member states and at the express demand of many countries to that end. Israel was admitted as an observer state on July 22 after lobbying for 20 years. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid noted that Israel currently has relations with 46 African countries. Faki said the matter will be discussed in the forthcoming session of the Executive Council following reservations by "a few member states."
2021-08-12 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive