UN General Assembly
1980

35. The African continent during the past year has been the scene of some remarkable events. The international community fortunately has been able to note that certain African countries have made real progress towards democracy. Furthermore, recent history demonstrates that Africa is confronting with growing confidence the complexity of the problems that that continent has to face. The members of the Community note this evolution with satisfaction, because they are convinced that the best way of ensuring peace in Africa lies in the action of the African countries themselves, and in particular in their cooperation in the Organization of African Unity. Therefore, the members of the Community are convinced that only a debate free of outside interference can bring about lasting stability in Africa. 36. In the same spirit, the European Community welcomes the willingness manifested by the African countries to set up systems of continental or regional cooperation and integration. The most recent initiative in this context was that recently decided upon by nine African countries at Lusaka.