AU's panel of the wise to hold talks in Cairo

The African Union''''s Panel of the Wise, under the chairmanship of former president of Mali Alpha Konare, arrived here early Sunday for a three-day visit, during which it would hold a new round of AU-Egypt talks. Middle East News Agency (MENA) said the visit is upon invitation of Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmi to ascertain Egypt''''s commitment to the roadmap, following its overcoming of the first two challenges; the new constitution and preparation for the presidential elections, set for May 26-27. This is the third visit by the panel since the decision to suspend Egypt''''s activity in the union following the incidents of June 30, 2013. The delegation includes former Djibouti prime minister Dileita Mohamed Dileita, as well as former president of Botswana Festus Mogae. The second round of talks took place last September and aimed to get a clearer picture of the developments in Egypt and the true state of affairs in the North African country. Head of the panel''''s delegation had then stressed support to the Egyptian government''''s efforts to implement the roadmap within the overall political process, and pointed out that "internal affairs" are to be addressed and decided by "the Egyptian people themselves". The Panel of the Wise (PoW), is one of the critical pillars of the Peace and Security Architecture of the African Union (APSA). Article 11 of the Protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council (PSC) sets up a five-person panel of "highly respected African personalities from various segments of society who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of peace, security, and development on the continent." The task of the panel, as stated on the official webpage, is "to support the efforts of the PSC and those of the Chairperson of the Commission, particularly in the area of conflict prevention."