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German president appeals to EAC member states to support integration process

Xinhua, February 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Visiting German President Joachim Gauck on Thursday appealed to member states of the East African Community (EAC) to continue supporting the integration process.

He said setbacks, skepticism, self-doubt, and public criticism should not discourage the ongoing EAC integration process.

"Those who negotiate accept that both sides have interests and that compromise must be sought. As they show their strength lies in arguments, not weapons," Gauck told officials of the EAC secretariat and its organs in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) debate chamber in Arusha.

The German leader urged the EAC member states of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi to borrow a leaf from the European Union's book, saying several areas of the two blocs were in common.

A proposal on fast tracking the EAC integration process appeared to be a bone of contention with some EAC member states of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda forming their own platform dubbed the Coalition of the Willing (CoW) which is in favor of fast tracking the process.

Gauck admitted that the EU integration was also facing conflicts and crises that were a huge test to the strength of the bloc.

"We often grapple with the speed and extent of integration. However, we also sense that commitment to peace, the rule of law, and cooperation is valuable," Gauck said on the final day of his four-day official visit to Tanzania.

EAC member states had enjoyed continued average economic growth of over 6 percent in the past decade and its over 145 million people spoke a common language of Kiswahili, a "luxury" which EU was lacking, he said.

Gauck said it was worth investing much energy in the regional integration for the bloc to foster stability, growth and prosperity.

"Apocalyptic thinkers regularly predict the end of the Euro or even the complete downfall of Europe. Please, do not trust those who propagate such doom and gloom," he warned.

Seeking compromises, remaining patient and putting selfish interests aside for the sake of democratic principles and the rule of law preserved cohesion during difficult times, he said.

Gauck quoted the Father of the Nation Mwalimu Julius Nyerere as saying "if real development is to take place, the people have to be involved," as he highlighted the need for the bloc to reach out to the East Africans.

He cited achievements the EU registered each time the large majorities in the member states supported important decisions. Endi