|
MEMORANDUM
on
AAPSO and AFRICA
***************************
The Permanent Secretariat of the Afro-Asian Peoples Solidarity
Organisation -AAPSO- had the great honor to have the visit of Dr Carlos
Belli-Bello at its Headquarters to discuss the prevalent situation in
Africa as well as the AAPSO's relations with Angola.
Since its inception in January 1958, AAPSO has been for decades committed
to the African affairs and to work closely with African peoples, which was
demonstrated by the holding in Africa six out of its seven Congresses:
(Cairo, Egypt 1957-58); Conakry, Guinea (1960); Moshe,Tanzania
(1963);Winneba,Ghana (1965); Cairo, Egypt(1972) and Algiers, Algeria
(1984), thus underlining the importance of the role played by AAPSO in
this continent and giving impetus to its responsibility vis-ˆ-vis its
peoples.
AAPSO took active part in the support of African liberation movements (
like MPLA, ANC, SWAPO, FRELIMO, ..) while many African countries were
under colonial and racist regimes. This was demonstrated by the presence
at the AAPSO Headquarters of representatives of these movements whose role
was crucial in the daily work of the Organisation. In order to mobilize
African public opinion with respect the struggle against imperialism and
colonialism AAPSO convened many seminars which had huge impacts on the
process of liberation from colonial yoke. These seminars as well as the
visits of AAPSO delegation to many countries in Africa had served as
center of radiation which caused the independence of many African states.
In the midst of profound transformations in the international arena
following the collapse of the Soviet Union, AAPSO has to face new
challenges. Contacts with many African countries as well as its national
committees has been lost. Nonetheless, in its efforts to adapt itself to
the present situation, AAPSO has always been, through its multiple
activities, committed to contribute however modest, with a view to
mobilizing and sensitizing African public opinion with respect to many
aspects of these challenges.
AAPSO maintains close relationship with pan-African organisation like OAU
( and now with the African Union, AU), the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa. It has been granted observer status with the
African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights. AAPSO campaigns for
Solidarity with African peoples and Movements in their struggle for
socio-economic development, peace, stability and progress.
For its objectives to be realized, and regarding particularly Africa,
AAPSO needs to revitalize and reactivize its cooperation with civil
societies, political organisations as well as NGOs in Africa. The new
concept of the role of AAPSO requires sustained cooperation and
collaboration in search of solutions to issues facing Africa. A genuine
partnership between AAPSO and African civil societies, NGOs, governmental
and intergovenmental organisations, should be promoted. In the streamline
of changes occuring worldwide, AAPSO is committed to further sustain and
reinforce its relations with them.
The AAPSO Permanent Secretariat was very happy to have fraternally and
frankly exchanged views with Dr Carlos Belli-Bello who expressed readiness
to invite to Angola some African personalities and organisations in
Southern Africa in order to promote and enhance the reactivation of
AAPSO's contacts and cooperation with them. In this context, AAPSO is
ready to seize the opportunity to closely cooperate and maintain permanent
and fruitful relationship with Dr Carlos Belli-Bello and the MPLA .
|
