PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
President Kikwete affirms Tanzania’s position in EAC
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (PANA) – Tanzania remains a firm member and ardent supporter of the East African Community (EAC) despite "uncalled for" manoeuvres by three partner states to isolate it, President Jakaya Kikwete affirmed Thursday.
Accusing Kenyan, Ugandan and Rwandan leaders of labelling his country as an “unwilling partner”, Kikwete told the National Assembly meeting in Dodoma, central Tanzania, that it was unjustifiable to depict the country as a stumbling block in the development process of the EAC.
“Tanzania believes in full East African and continental integration. Tanzania has committed no wrong to any EAC member state. Tanzania will always adhere to the Treaty establishing the EAC, its protocols and organs and we have no intention of pulling out of the Community,” he said.
Without mentioning names, Kikwete criticised Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, for holding three summit meetings to discuss matters related to the EAC without inviting their counterparts from Burundi and Tanzania.
“Two or more member countries of the Community can hold meetings on issues of their own concern but not matters that fall under the Treaty and protocols of the regional bloc,” he explained, noting that some decisions taken at summits of the three leaders who call themselves “coalition of the willing” required endorsement by all EAC leaders.
Kikwete reiterated the EAC ultimate goal of a political federation but said that should come gradually.
“We want a federation built on a firm foundation which is well-planned and efficient economic integration, otherwise its survival will be doubtful,” he said.
The president recalled that an opinion poll conducted by former Kenyan Attorney-General Amos Wako, throughout the EAC member states, showed that Tanzanians supported the creation of an East African Federation, but on a step-by-step basis.
“Tanzanians find it difficult to skip stages already spelt out in the Treaty just for the sake of a hurried federation. We want a strong and progressive EAC that benefits all of its citizens.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of 1977 (when the first EAC collapsed). Tanzania is not ready to be blamed as a source and propeller of another debacle," Kikwete told an applauding House.
“After the big job done by all East Africans to revive the Community, it is saddening to see some leaders of this grouping discriminating against their counterparts,” he said, noting that Tanzania contributes US$ 12 million to the EAC annual budget.
“I have a feeling that the cause of all this animosity arises from Tanzania’s stance on issues of land, employment and migration. Difference of opinion on these issues causes resentment from some of our partners,” he explained.
The EAC leaders are due to hold an ordinary session 30 November, 2013, in Kampala, Uganda. Part of their agenda will be the signing of the EAC Protocol on a common regional currency.
-0- PANA AR/VAO 7Nov2013
Accusing Kenyan, Ugandan and Rwandan leaders of labelling his country as an “unwilling partner”, Kikwete told the National Assembly meeting in Dodoma, central Tanzania, that it was unjustifiable to depict the country as a stumbling block in the development process of the EAC.
“Tanzania believes in full East African and continental integration. Tanzania has committed no wrong to any EAC member state. Tanzania will always adhere to the Treaty establishing the EAC, its protocols and organs and we have no intention of pulling out of the Community,” he said.
Without mentioning names, Kikwete criticised Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, for holding three summit meetings to discuss matters related to the EAC without inviting their counterparts from Burundi and Tanzania.
“Two or more member countries of the Community can hold meetings on issues of their own concern but not matters that fall under the Treaty and protocols of the regional bloc,” he explained, noting that some decisions taken at summits of the three leaders who call themselves “coalition of the willing” required endorsement by all EAC leaders.
Kikwete reiterated the EAC ultimate goal of a political federation but said that should come gradually.
“We want a federation built on a firm foundation which is well-planned and efficient economic integration, otherwise its survival will be doubtful,” he said.
The president recalled that an opinion poll conducted by former Kenyan Attorney-General Amos Wako, throughout the EAC member states, showed that Tanzanians supported the creation of an East African Federation, but on a step-by-step basis.
“Tanzanians find it difficult to skip stages already spelt out in the Treaty just for the sake of a hurried federation. We want a strong and progressive EAC that benefits all of its citizens.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of 1977 (when the first EAC collapsed). Tanzania is not ready to be blamed as a source and propeller of another debacle," Kikwete told an applauding House.
“After the big job done by all East Africans to revive the Community, it is saddening to see some leaders of this grouping discriminating against their counterparts,” he said, noting that Tanzania contributes US$ 12 million to the EAC annual budget.
“I have a feeling that the cause of all this animosity arises from Tanzania’s stance on issues of land, employment and migration. Difference of opinion on these issues causes resentment from some of our partners,” he explained.
The EAC leaders are due to hold an ordinary session 30 November, 2013, in Kampala, Uganda. Part of their agenda will be the signing of the EAC Protocol on a common regional currency.
-0- PANA AR/VAO 7Nov2013
