1st Ministerial Session of the Economic and Social Commission of the African Economic Community

"I thought it was important to remind ourselves of the serious and sustained efforts that our peoples have been deploying in an attempt to improve their conditions of Ire. In other words, contrary to the perception which is often portrayed, our Continent has not been lagging behind in assuming its own responsibilities for its development. Unfortunately, the efforts made by our peoples have not been always crowned with Success due to various factors both internal and external." - Dr. Salim, November 20, 1996