Mr Chairman, we are not opposed conceptually to the Pan- African Parliament, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and we simply do not think that the conditions yet exist for such a parliament. It is the right thing to do, but this is the wrong time. In terms of our values, a parliament presupposes truly democratic, multiparty, elected participants. We do not even agree in Africa on what constitutes parliamentary democracy. Certainly Libya does not qualify. In short, we cannot start at the end. We must have a developmental approach, building from the bottom, building sound foundations and infrastructure, including strong regional organisations based on trade and co-operation, on which to found a truly democratic parliament.
There has been far too little deliberation, and insufficient consideration and consultation, and we therefore oppose this measure at this time. For us it is too much, too soon.