Pan African parly opens
2005-11-21 12:20
Johannesburg - The fourth ordinary session of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) was opened by PAP president Gertrude Mongella on Monday at its newly-built premises at Midrand, north of Johannesburg.
Members of Parliament, senior representatives of the African Union and European Union and senior diplomats attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"I invite all of you members and invited guests to take your seats in our new chamber," Mongella said to applause.
The first day of the fourth session will see new members of the PAP being introduced and sworn in.
The chamber's public gallery provides for 500 seats, in addition to the 300 seats for parliamentarians.
The PAP's fourth session is to take place from Monday until December 2.
- SAPA