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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe arrives on January 31, 2010 for the opening of the three-day AU summit in Addis Ababa. Libyan leader and outgoing African Union (AU) Chaiman of the AU Moamer Kadhafi reluctantly handed over the presidency of the AU to Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika. AFP PHOTO/ SIMON MAINA
The summit will focus on poverty reduction, peace and security, post colonial subjugation, among other issues.
Since Zimbabwe has been under illegal western imposed sanctions for the past decade, it is hoped the summit will influence European nations to consider the lifting of sanctions to ease the plight of the Zimbabwean populace.
Eighty leaders from Europe and Africa are expected to attend the summit.
The first summit was held in Egypt in 2001 and the second summit was held in Lisbon, Portugal in 2007.
President Mugabe was seen off by Vice President Joice Mujuru, cabinet ministers and senior government officials.-ZBC
Online Reporter