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DURBAN, South Africa, July 7 (AFP) - The Peace and Security Council of the African Union will be the African equivalent of the UN Security Council, except that none of the 15 members will be able to exercise a veto.

The council will be able to draw on a stand-by force from African armies to intervene if crimes against humanity are being perpetrated.

It will meet on three levels -- ambassadors to the union, who will meet every two weeks, and foreign ministers and heads of state, who will normally meet once a year.

Decisions will be taken by consensus, or by a two-thirds majority if an issue is put to a vote.

The council will be supported by a "Panel of the Wise" -- five highly respected African personalities appointed for three years.

A continental early warning system will provide information drawn from governments, regional bodies, international organisations, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations.

A military staff committee composed of senior officers from the countries represented on the council will advise it.

The council will be empowered to mediate in conflicts and intervene if all else fails. It will also be authorised to help provide post-conflict reconstruction, and humanitarian and disaster assistance.

It will also be entrusted with instituting sanctions if unconstitutional changes of government take place, and with combating terrorism. - Nampa-AFP

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