African Heads of State have called for a common position on Agriculture and a Solid framework for food security as they conclude a three day summit under the auspices of the African Union's 13th Ordinary Session in Sirte, Libya. The leaders also undertake to promote inter-trade relations and transform the commission into an authority to enable it meet more effectively the aspirations and dreams of a Union Government.

President Jammeh was proactive in these proceedings that set to re-evaluate the role of the Union in decision making on the continent. The summit kicked off Wednesday, under the theme "INVESTING IN AGRICULTURE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND FOOD SECURITY", with emphasis on the establishment of a common market to enhance Agricultural performance in member states.

It reminded African leaders of their commitment to invest 10% of their budget into the Agricultural sector.

Opening the Session, the Chairman of the African Union and President of Libya Muammar Gaddafi called for joined efforts in the drive to attain unity and a common position in key issues affecting the continent. The most crucial problem facing the continental body is designing a uniform approach in negotiating peaceful end to conflicts and tackled poverty in the most effective way.

Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission said achieving meaningful development is a challenge that African leaders should tackle head on with vital policies and more resolute steps to improving Agricultural production.

The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations Dr. Asha Magiro in representing the UN Secretary General urged African leaders to use the platform of the Assembly to mobilize efforts to protect the poorest and most vulnerable given that more than half of all Africans currently live in extreme poverty. She stressed that empowering of women small holder farmers should be part of a broader commitment ensuring that women play leadership role across the economic, political and social development fields. A number of guest speakers, namely Lula Da Silva, President of Brazil, His highness Sheikh Khalifa Althani, Emir of Qatar and Amur Moussa, Secretary General League of Arab States also addressed the Assembly.

The summit ended on Friday with the adoption of some key decisions, among them the transformation of the commission into an authority to give it more weight and cloud in coordinating efforts towards the United States of Africa.

They also took unanimous position on the indictment issued by the pre-trial chamber of the ICC against President Omar El Bashir. It was decided that the African Union will not cooperate in the arrest of Bashir in view of the fact that its request to the UN to defer the case has not been acted upon. The leaders feel a sense of injustice that all the indictees by the ICC are Africans while not even a single sitting Western head of state is charged for crimes of which these Africans have been indicted.

They further reiterated conviction on the need to review and handle complaints arising out of abuse of universal jurisdiction by individual states.

On the side lines it was notice that only 16 out of the 53 member states of the Union have paid their contributions for the 2009 fiscal year, among them The Gambia. Failures of payment of member states contributions can to a large extend hamper the Unions policies.

The leaders raised concern over recent unconstitutional change of governments across the continent, calling for the speeding up of processes of returning these countries to democratic rule. The closing was in defiance of colonialism and interference in African politics. A continent of more than 50 countries, Africa continues to be denied a permanent seat at the United Nations which will give it the right to veto decisions. President Jacob Zuma of South Africa delivered the closing remarks in his maiden speech, after receiving solidarity from his counterparts in the hosting of the 2010 world Cup.