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GV EXTERIOR Palace Hotel, Cameroun
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GV INTERIOR Delegates take seats around table
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SCU Minister of Information speaking
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CU Delegates listening (3 shots)
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CU Minister of Information speaks
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CU Delegates listening
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GV UNESCO representative TILT TO Information Minister
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GV PAN Delegates appalud
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Initials BB/1558 TH/AH/BB/1611



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Half a dozen Africa countries, backed by organisations such as UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), opened discussions in Yaounde on Wednesday (2 October) aimed at creating an African Regional Centre for the promotion of books throughout the continent.

Cameroun Information Minister Joseph-Charles Doumba, opening the meeting, described the need to overcome ignorance and indifference to book-learning.

He spoke of the essential role the book had to play in increasing literacy in African countries which has relied largely on oral traditions and culture. "To promote the book is to promote development," he concluded.

The three-day working session includes visits to Cameroun's printing works, libraries and the university at Yaounde.

SYNOPSIS: Host country Cameroun was joined by Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Senegal. Other delegations were expected later in the three day session. Cameroun's Minister of Information Joseph-Charles Doumba opened the session, and spoke of the need to overcome indifference and ignorance over book-learning in Africa. There was, he said, a reciprocal need to encourage authors and writers.