Jonathan urges Zuma to recognize Libya new govt

BY DANIEL IDONOR

NEW YORK-AS international politics deepens at the ongoing 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, President Goodluck Jonathan, wednesday, urged President Jacob Zuma of South Africa to as a matter of Africa unity, reconsider his country stand and recognize the emerging government in Libya.

President Jonathan while meeting with several world leaders, advised Mr Zuma that it is better to recognise the National Transitional Council, NTC, in Libya now that later.

Accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, President Jonathan also attended a reception hosted by President and Mrs. Barack Obama for world leaders at the New York Public Library.

During talks with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, President Jonathan said the African Union must help the National Transitional Council in Libya to end the conflict and establish good governance in the country.

President Jonathan said: “The African Union must play its role to help the NTC end the conflict and establish good governance in Libya.” he stated.

The two leaders also discussed steps needed to further strengthen the Nigeria – South Africa Bi-National Commission.

During an audience he granted to President Alassane Ouattarra of Cote d’Ivoire, President Jonathan assured that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, would take definite steps to support efforts to curb the activities of mercenaries and other threats to the restoration of peace in that country.

He said this would ensure peace along that country’s border with Liberia and provide necessary peace and the appropriate environment for Liberia’s general elections, scheduled for next month.

President Jonathan, who is the current Chairman of the sub-regional body, acknowledged the various economic challenges confronting members, but said a peaceful atmosphere was necessary for the conduct of successful elections in Liberia.

Earlier, Dr. Alassane Ouattarra, had requested for the urgent intervention of ECOWAS to enable the emplacement of forces along the Cote d’Ivoire border, prior to and after the Liberian elections, to ensure smooth, free and fair elections in that country, adding that assistance from the United Nations and other donors would be required.

The Nigerian leader also granted audience to President Pal Schmitt of the Republic of Hungary, who said his country’s improving economy would facilitate a restoration of the previously vibrant trade relations between the two nations, adding that there were several areas of mutual cooperation to be explored.

President Schmitt said Hungary had cooperated with Nigeria in education, and looked forward to more areas of collaboration.

He thanked the Hungarian President for supporting Nigeria’s developmental efforts and assured him of more cooperation in future.

Also during the night, President Jonathan received President Isaias Afewerki of the State of Eritrea, and attended the launch of the Initiative Group on Education for Democracy with Presidents Tasakhia Elbegdorj and Tarja Hallonen of Mongolia and Finland respectively.

The President is expected to leave New York, friday afternoon, local time but would arrive Abuja early hours of Saturday..