Assembly/AU/Motion (III) Rev.1 MOTION OF APPRECIATION TO H.E. PRESIDENT JOAQUIM CHISSANO, OUTGOING CHAIRPERSON OF THE AU The Assembly: RECOGNISING the important and historic role played by President Joaquim Chissano in the struggle for the liberation of his country as well as the promotion of peace and stability and socio-economic development of Mozambique throughout his tenure as the second President of that country; RECALLING the commitment and dedication with which President Chissano carried out his responsibilities as Chairperson of the African Union at this early stage of its establishment; CONSIDERING that President Chissano is approaching the end of his term of office and is committed to handing over the stewardship of his country to a successor to be elected by the people of Mozambique in the elections scheduled for December 2004: 1. CONGRATULATES H.E. President Chissano for the meritorious services rendered to his country and the people of Mozambique, and for the exemplary leadership he has demonstrated by resolving to abide by the Constitution of his country to hand over power peacefully; 2. EXPRESSES its profound gratitude and appreciation and pays tribute to H.E. President Joaquim Chissano for his dynamic leadership and contribution to the achievement of the objectives of the African Union.