Permanent Observer of International Committee of the Red Cross bids Farewell to AUC Chairperson
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, December 2, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Jean Ping, received in his office at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, on Thursday, 2 December 2011, the Permanent Observer of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to the African Union, Mrs. Catherine Gendre, who came to bid farewell to the Chairperson, at the end of her 18-month tenure.
Welcoming his guest, the Chairperson commended the International Committee of the Red Cross for its outstanding humanitarian work around the world, especially in conflict zones, describing the ICRC as “a renowned humanitarian organization with impeccable integrity.”
Dr. Ping said the African Union has always had a good working relationship with the Red Cross and will continue working to build close cooperation ties, to the mutual satisfaction of both organisations and in the interest of victims of natural and man-made disasters, including Climate Change. He wished Mrs. Gendre success in her next appointment.
On her part, the ICRC Representative thanked the Chairperson for the excellent collaboration she and her organization have always received from the African Union.
“Everything has worked well between our two organisations. We have had good contacts at the AU and very good relations with its Member States and have accomplished all our objectives. Unfortunately, I have to leave, without introducing my successor to you, because he has not yet arrived. I will stay in touch and continue monitoring developments in Africa and at the AU,” she stated.
Both personalities exchanged views on the situation in Somalia, among others, and the Chairperson expressed cautious optimism that things will soon improve for the People of Somalia, especially women and children, “who”, he added, “have suffered enough!”
With a history of more than 150 years of humanitarian work, the International Committee of the Red Cross is the oldest humanitarian organisation in the world.
SOURCE
African Union Commission (AUC)
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