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Website: www. Africa-union.org

OSC1366

Technical information
On

THE THIRTEENTH ORDINARY session oF

the ASSEMBLY of the African Union AND
PREPARATORY MEETINGS

SIRTE, GREAT SOCIALIST

PEOPLE'S LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA

24/6/2009 - 3/7/2009
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INTRODUCTION

Information provided in this guide is intended for participants in the 13th Ordinary
Session of the Assembly of the African Union as well as participants in the
Preliminary Meetings.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CITY OF SIRTE

The City of Ribat al-Amami is replete with tourist attractions combining various
natural landmarks, marine, semi sahara and monumental sites.

Anciently speaking, the city of Sirte is the name of an area which extends from the
Mediterranean between Umm al-Garanik in the east and Uyun al –Haysha in the
west. The present City of Sirte was given different names in history. It was known
during the reign of the Phoenicians as "Euphoranta Markomandis". There was
indication that the area had been inhabited during and after the reign of the
Phoenicians because of graves dating back to the fourth century AD.

The Fatimids, during their reign in eleventh century established a city called Sirte
which was situated east of the present Sirte, the presently known as "al-Madina. The
city houses a small museum close to the ruins of the City of al-Fatimiya which
houses some Islamic artifices. The City of Sirte was very well known to Arab
travellers/ explorers and foreigners alike. Some have written about the city and its
population.

The Turks in 1841 constructed on the debris of the Phoenician City a palace around
which the present Sirte is built and named.

In the Modern History, the City of Sirte has witnessed a number of important
historical events. Most prominently among them; were the battle fought against the
Italians on 29 April 1915 which was popularly known as the Battle of al-Qardabiya
during which, the Italians were defeated under the command of General Amyani.
The City of Sirte hosted the first national unity conference on Saturday of 22 January
1922 during the Jihad War against the Italian aggression on Libya.

The City of Sirte has witnessed during the latest part of the nineties of the twentieth
century the most important event in its history manifested in the proclamation of
the African Union on 9 September 1999 (9/9/99) at the Ouagadugou Complex
which constitutes its famous features.

In the mid –eighties of the last century, the City was named al-Ribat al-Amami after
the confrontation between Libya and America in the Gulf of Sirte. The Gulf of Sirte
was named since then, the Gulf of Challenge.

LOCATION

The City of Sirte is characterized by its unique location. It is centrally located within
the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and as such embodies a large
portion of the southern coast of the Mediterranean about 400 kilometers longitude
and the latitude of 31:12:19 to the north and within the range of 18:35:16 to the west
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overlooking the Gulf of Sirte after which it was named. The total area of Sirte is
69,000 Kilo meters. Sirte and its surrounding suburbs have a population of 70,000
inhabitants. It has a University called, Jami'at al-Tahadi", University of Challenge. It
is linked with the Great Man-Made River emanating from Abar al Sarir and Tazriyo
and another from al-Hawasiya mountain to form the longest and most gigantic
man-made network for water transportation in the world, ever known in history .

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

The coastal areas of Sirte are characterized by medium and mild weather throughout
the seasons of the year. The remote areas away from the coast are characterized by
severe heat during the summer and severe cold during the winter. The average
rainfall during the year is between 200 mm on the coastal lines and 50 mm. on the
semi- Sahara area away from the coast. During this time of the year, the weather is
mostly dry and warm and ranges between hot and mild during the day and mild
during the evenings.

PROMINENT MONUMENT SITES:

Madinat el-Sultan, Qusur Hasaan, Husn Bonjim and Madinat Qarza.

The attractive diversifications of the above sites , undoubtedly, present a beautiful

and picturesque view, which make the City of Sirte one of the important tourist
attractions in Libya and definitely qualify it to host such great event.

RECEPTION

Distinguished guests of the Great Jamahiriya will be received and welcomed by the
Reception Committee. Temporary accommodation shall be provided for guests on
arrival in Tripoli at Corinthia Hotel, the Grand Hotel and Bab el-Bahr Hotel before
their transportation to the City of Sirte.

Guests will be received and connected immediately to travel to The City of Sirte,
Sirte International Airport (al-Qardabiya) and to the places where delegates
participating in the Assembly will stay.

VISAS AND ENTRY FORMALITIES

Entry visas into Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya will be issued to
delegates at the Missions of the Great Jamahiriya in the AU Member States and
other countries participating in the Summit as observers or invited guests. Entry Visa
may be issued at the entry point at the Tripoli International Airport or Sirte
International Airport (Al-Qardabiya) to citizens of countries where the Great
Jamahiriya has no diplomatic missions or Consular Services. All necessary facilities
shall be provided on arrival.

CONTACT POINTS FOR INFORMATION

The Organising Committee shall undertake the task of organizing and coordinating
all matters relating to hosting and supervision of all logistics, as well as management
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of preparatory meetings and the Thirteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the
African Union.

For any further information, kindly contact us on the following telephone numbers
and addresses.

1- ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Telephone: 00218.21.3400185
00218.21.3400176
00218.21.3408597
Fax: 00218.21.3400390
E-mail: au-summit@foreign.gov.ly

2-GENERAL PROTOCOL

Telephone and Fax Numbers:

00218.21.3603015
00218.21.3603053
E-mail: au-summit@foreign.gov.ly

VIP CONVOY AND PROTOCOL:-

-Their Excellencies Heads of State and Government will be received on their arrival
by Senior Officials from the Great Jamahiriya.

-The Honourable Ministers and High Level Officials will be received on their arrival
by senior officials.

-A Protocol Officer will be assigned to every delegation and shall serve as a link
between this delegation and the Organizing Committee. This officer shall remain with
the delegation throughout its stay in Libya.

REGISTRATION

The Organising Committee will highly appreciate to receive the list of Heads and
Members of Delegation participating in the statutory meetings by the 17th of June
2009 to enable the Committee put in place all necessary arrangements in terms of
identity cards, bookings at hotels, transportation and other related issues.

All African Missions and Foreign Missions accredited to the African Union or the
Great Jamahiriya are kindly requested to submit the lists of members of their
delegations to the Organising Committee before the above date.

TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

The Organising Committee shall provide means of transport for delegations to the
Assembly in the following order:
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1 HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT:-

ƒ One(1) Presidential Mercedes Car

ƒ One(1) Protocol car for a Senior Official ( Minister of Foreign Affairs)
ƒ Two(2) Security cars
ƒ One(1) Escort Car
ƒ One(1) Escort Motor Bike
ƒ One(1) Service car (Ambulance)

2 OTHER HEADS OF DELEGATION:-

ƒ One(1) Ministerial Mercedes car

ƒ One(1) Protocol car
ƒ One(1) Escort car
ƒ One(1) Security car

3 OTHER MEMBERS OF DELEGATION

Buses will be provided to transport delegates from the airport to their

places of accommodation and to the conference areas.

4 TRANSPORTATION OF BELONGINGS

Means of transport shall be provided to transport belongings of delegates

from the airport to their places of accommodation.

SECURITY

The Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya shall take all the necessary
adequate security measures during the Summit and Preparatory Meetings and shall
liaise with the African Union Security Section.

For purposes of facilitating the entry of security escorts from AU Member States, it
is mandatory to submit the list of security officers escorting the Heads of State and
Government and Ministers to the Organizing Committee as well as provide
separate information on weapons and communication equipment in their
possession. (Relevant forms to be filled as appropriate are attached)

It should be noted here that, only one security officer shall be allowed to carry a
personal weapon and every country shall be allowed to enter with limited number of
personal weapons. Permissions to do so should be sought before the arrival of
delegations. Every Mission should submit a full list of security officers to be granted
permission based on the following information:

-Name of holder of weapon and description

-Name and type of firearm
-Serial number of firearm
-Number of shots
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In addition to the above, permission should be sought to use communication

equipment by security before entry into the Great Jamahiriya.

N. B: One (1) body guard of each Head of State and Government will be granted
entry permission to all official places.

All information pertaining to the above should be referred to the Organizing

Committee through the Fax number indicated above.

(Please find attached a format for registration of firearms)

IDENTITY CARDS AND BADGES

• Heads of State and Government shall be issued with Golden Badges that
will enable them to enter into all places and participate in all activities,

• Ministers of Foreign Affairs shall be issued Silver pins that will enable them to
enter into places and participate in related activities,

• Other Ministers will be issued special Ministerial badges,

• Members of the Permanent Representatives committee will be issued special

PRC badges,

• Members of Delegation, Protocol Officers, Security and Information and other

participants shall be issued with different badges befitting their categories that
will qualify them to enter places and participate in related activities.

N.B. Badges shall be issued in Sirte.

(Please find attached sample of application)

AIRPORTS OF ENTRY

Tripoli International Airport- Umaytiqiya Airport– Qardabiya Airport in Sirte- Bunayna

International Airport in Benghazi.

Other Airports in addition to Tripoli International Airport shall be used.

It is requested that the following information should be sent to the General Protocol
and the Aviation Authorities.

ƒ Name of the Carrier

ƒ Number of crew
ƒ Call number
ƒ Number of passengers
ƒ Type of Aircraft and Size
ƒ Point of Entry and Exit
ƒ Takeoff and Destination
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ƒ Date and expected time of take off and arrival

VISA FORMALITIES

Holders of diplomatic and special passports as well as official representatives and

experts from Member States or holders of AU Laisser Passer will be allowed entry
into Libyan territory through the issuance of entry visas by The Libyan Diplomatic
and Consular Missions or upon arrival under the above circumstances. Condition
shall include an official letter of invitation. Holders of Diplomatic and Service
Passports as well as Official Representatives and Experts of Member States of CEN-
SAD will be issued visas upon arrival.

As for holders of ordinary passports such as representatives, officials and experts

from Member States as well as holders of diplomatic and service passports from
countries other than AU Member States or holders of UN Laisser Passer
participating in the Assembly, entry visas shall be issued to them on arrival upon
producing letters of participation or letter to grant an official visa by Missions of the
Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

ARRIVAL CEREMONIES AND MEASURES:-

A: Heads of State and Government

ƒ Upon the arrival of Head of State or Government , Chief of Protocol

and Ambassador of the country concerned shall board the aircraft to
invite the Head of State or Government to descend,

ƒ A bouquet of flower will be presented to Head of State or Government,

ƒ The Head of State or Government shall proceed in the company of an

official from the Great Jamahiriya appointed to welcome him/her
through the red carpet to the Presidential daze and the playing of
the AU Anthem and the Jamahiriya national anthem,

ƒ Presentation of Libyan Senior officials flanked along the red carpet

to the Head of State or Government by the Director of Ceremonies ,
then the officials of the African Union and Members of the Diplomatic
Corps,

ƒ Director of Ceremonies calls upon the visiting Head of State or

Government to inspect national folklore groups lined up along the red
carpet,

ƒ The Head of State or Government proceeds to the Presidential Lounge

in the company of a senior official for a brief stay,

ƒ Refreshments and other facilities shall be provided,

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ƒ The Head of State or Government leaves the lounge for his/her place
of stay in the company of a senior official designated by the Great
Jamahiriya.

B- FOREIGN MINISTERS:-

ƒ Foreign Ministers will be met on their arrival, on special or

commercial aircraft, by Representatives of the General People's
Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation and the
Protocol services of the Great Jamahiriya,

ƒ Foreign Ministers will be accompanied to the VIP Lounge for a brief

stay,

ƒ Refreshments and services shall be provided,

ƒ Visiting Ministers shall be accompanied to their cars and then places of

accommodation upon arrival in Sirte. While in Tripoli, they will be
provided with a temporary accommodation at the Grand Hotel before
their eventual transportation to the City of Sirte.

C:-OTHER PARTICIPANTS

ƒ All other participants and delegates shall be met upon arrival by

Protocol Officers of the Great Jamahiriya.

ƒ FACILITIES AND SERVICES:-

The following facilities and services shall be provided:

o Information centre (Local and international communication

services, Fax and Internet),
o Postal Services Centre (ordinary mail and courier services,
SIM cards)
o Bank (currency Exchange)
o Health (first aid facilities )
o Duty free

HEALTH
ƒ Health services within the reception and living areas and during
movements shall be provided. In view of the spread of swine influenza,
necessary health measures have been taken at entry points to ensure
safety for all in accordance with international standards.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Telephone codes in the Great Jamahiriya:

Country code: 00218

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ƒ Tripoli code: 0021

ƒ Sirte code: 054
ƒ Internet country code: LY
ƒ Prepaid cellular phones:
- Libyana mobile cellular phone provider code 092,
- Al-Madar mobile cellular phone provider 091,
- Tripoli and Sirte are covered by Libyana and Al-Madar Cellular.
CURRENCY

* 1000 Dirham makes one Libyan Dinar,

* One US Dollar= 1.25Libyan Dinar.

Reception at the Venue

Arrival and Reception Ceremonies at the Site of the Summit:

- Heads of State or Government will be received upon their

arrival on 1st July 2009 at the Summit Complex by officials of
African Union Commission
- Heads of State or Government will be escorted to the holding
area where they will be met
- Departure from the Conference site
- Every mission and delegation shall be informed about time of
departure in due course.

OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES

- The Secretary of General People's Committee for Foreign

Liaison and International Cooperation shall organise an official
dinner on 28 June 2009 in honour of delegates to the Meetings
of the Executive Council,
- Official Banquet shall be hosted in honour of Heads of State
and Government,
- Arrival of Heads of State and Government at the holding
lounge, specially designed for them in order of seniority,
- Permission for one security personnel to accompany each Head
of State or Government into the Banquet Hall
- Details shall be communicated in due course.

RECEPTION

The Great Jamahiriya shall host a reception in honour of visiting

Foreign Ministers in Sirte,

Organisers of the reception will deliver short speeches in Arabic,

English and French and National Folklore groups will perform arts
shows.
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Departure from the Great Jamahiriya

The Protocol escort will receive Heads of State or Government before

they leave their places in the departure lounge. The departing Head of
State or Government shall proceed to the VIP Lounge to wait for a
while where refreshment will be served and proceed thereof to the
ceremonial daze. The Director of Protocol will then invite the Head of
State or Government to inspect the Guard of Honour. The Head of
State or Government will then bid farewell to the Diplomatic Corps and
officials of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. The
Guard of Honour will then salute the departing Head of State or
Government.

(END OF PROGRAMME)