Summary: November 17, 2003: Statement of Commissioner Poul Nielson in response to Council's decision to allocate EUR 250 million from the EDF to support African-led peacekeeping operations in Africa (Brussels)
"I warmly welcome the Council's decision today to allocate €250 million from the European Development Fund to a Peace Facility for Africa. In recent years African leaders have taken decisive steps to prevent and solve conflicts on their continent. With today's decision we confirm that we support Africa in these efforts.
This is also a strong and timely response to the call made by African leaders at the African Union summit in Maputo in July 2003. Without peace and stability there can be no development in Africa.
Today we are taking the only viable action possible based on that lesson by adding a new dimension to our development co-operation with Africa. The peace facility should provide the African Union with the "financial muscle" to give reality to their effort to secure the stability and peace without which there will be no development. "
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