Libyan leader Moamar Gaddafi again pressed for a powerful new continental authority as the summit got under way.
The leaders agreed earlier in February to create an AU Authority that would centralize the executive powers of the 53-member bloc, but Gaddafi is pushing to grant the new body sweeping powers over defence, trade and foreign relations.
The continent's biggest economy, South Africa, as well as top oil producers Nigeria and Angola, are opposing Gaddafi and arguing for a more gradual approach to integration.
"Everyone is very angry. We're not sure how it will end up," an agency report quoted a diplomat as saying.
It was only the latest move by the Libyan leader to rankle the visiting leaders at the summit in his hometown of Sirte, which has been decked out in twinkle lights, lit-up plastic trees and laser shows for the occasion.
Gaddafi extended a surprise invitation to Iran's hardline leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to address the summit, only for Tehran to cancel the trip at the last minute without explanation.
Ghaddafi is nothing more than a despotic showman. He's been gunning to be C-in-C and President of Africa for over 30yrs.
Right now, his Arab friends are fighting in Somalia, where Al Shaba army (read Al Qaeda), is fighting Somali forces to take the country into total Sharia rule.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/8057380.stm