Assembly/AU/Dec.225(XII) Page 1 DECISION ON THE THIRD WORLD FESTIVAL OF NEGRO ARTS (FESMAN III) The Assembly: 1. COMMENDS the Government of the Republic of Senegal for its initiative to organize the Third Edition of the World Festival of Negro Arts (FESMAN III) in Dakar from 1 to 21 December 2009, following the 1966 and 1977 editions of the Festival held in Senegal and Nigeria, respectively; 2. RECOGNIZES that this Festival contributes to the fostering of African Renaissance and the socio-economic integration of the Continent. It also facilitates the development of fraternal and friendly relations between Africans in the Continent and Africans in the Diaspora, and of mutual understanding among the peoples of the world; 3. EXPRESSES ITS SUPPORT for the Declaration adopted by African Ministers of Culture at their meeting held in Algiers, Algeria, from 19 to 23 October 2008; 4. INVITES all men and women of culture, artists and creators from Member States and the African Diaspora to participate massively in the activities and programmes of the Third World Festival of Negro Arts; 5. REQUESTS Member States and Africa’s partners to lend their support towards the process of preparation of FESMAN III; 6. ALSO REQUESTS the Commission to take all appropriate measures, in consultation with the Government of Senegal, to organize and implement the conclusions of this Festival.