

Nigerian president winds up Gambian visit

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday concluded two-day working visit to the Gambia during which he held meetings with government and opposition politicians. Obasanjo who jetted into Banjul on Sunday as a special envoy of the Commonwealth and the African Union (AU) also met his Gambian counterpart, Yahya Jammeh. Addressing the politicians at a meeting held in Kairaba Beach Hotel, the former AU Chairman disclosed that the objective of his mission was to listen to what Gambian political players had to say about issues of national concern. According to him, this was very necessary and important in the run up to Gambia's presidential election slated for October 2006. Obasanjo called on Gambian politicians to respect democratic principles and come up with a common understanding that will ensure a peaceful election, security and harmony in the country. He also urged them to carry on with the spirit of "inter-party dialogue" to pave the way for free and fair elections in October. For his part, President Jammeh commended Obasanjo for his efforts to to promote peace, stability and development in West Africa and the African continent as a whole. He expressed his government's willingness to work with the opposition to make Gambia a model for democracy and development. Meanwhile, Jammeh promised that his government drop all charges against opposition figures and refrain from using foul languages against them. He also hailed the existing cordial and bilateral relations between Gambia and Nigeria.

Banjul - 06/02/2006