African Union names Gaddafi as head

[Turborama]

Source: Al Jazeera English

Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, has been named as chairman of the 53-nation African Union.

Gaddafi was elected "by the heads of state in a closed-door session, for a one-year period," Habiba Mejri-Sheikh, the AU spokeswoman, said.

Gaddafi was handed the chairman's gavel by Jakaya Kikwete, the Tanzanian president and outgoing AU leader, to applause from other leaders on Monday.

Some members of the union were, however, said to be uneasy about his nomination.

Gaddafi has long promoted stronger union within the organisation and previously outlined his vision for a continent wide government.

He has also previously said he want a single African military force, a single currency and a single passport for Africans to move within the continent.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/02/200922113838580502.html

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(edit to fix typo)