African summit in Libya

African leaders have begun arriving at the Libyan town of Sirte for a summit which will discuss proposals for an African Union, similar to the European Union.

Forty-four African countries which belong to the Organisation of African Unity have expressed their support for such a union, although it would have to be ratified by two-thirds of member states before it could become a reality.

The summit is being organised by the Libyan leader, Colonel Gaddafi, who earlier this week helped to pay off the arrears of ten OAU states so that they could take part.

The leaders are expected to discuss the possibility of a pan-African parliament, an African court of justice, and an central African bank.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service