By Yvonne Soppo Disso
First Lady, Chantal Biya on Friday, January 5, 2007 received New Year Wishes from the wives of the members of the Diplomatic and National Constituted Corps. This is a traditional ceremony that kicks-off the New Year in Cameroon. The ceremony that took place at the Unity Palace began at 11:00 a.m. with the spouses of the Members of the Diplomatic Corps. This was followed by spouses of the Members of the National Constituted Corps who presented their New Year Wishes at 11:30 a.m. The elegantly dressed ladies exchanged New Year wishes with Madam Chantal Biya and pledged for co-operation in achieving the mission of the State of Cameroon.
AEarlier on Thursday, January 4, 2007, President Paul Biya received New Year Wishes from the Diplomatic and National Constituted Corps in Yaounde. He stressed the need for north – south cooperation to be 
based on mutual respect and reciprocity. The Head of State cited crises in the world and said in spite of all these crises, there should be hope and that all countries should work towards fighting against intolerance. President Paul Biya also described the peaceful settlement of the Bakassi crisis as a success for dialogue and tolerance. He paid due homage to President Olusegun Obassanjo of Nigeria and appreciated Kofi Annan who coordinated the dialogue between Cameroon and Nigeria. The Dean of the Diplomatic corps in Cameroon, Ambassador Ibn Hussein of Saudi Arabia thanked President Biya for Cameroon's hospitality and his steadfastness in peace making in Africa. "The peaceful resolution of the Bakassi crisis is a lesson for the rest of Africa", he told the gathering of diplomats at the Presidential mansion in Yaounde. In the days ahead, President Biya will be receiving new year wishes from members of government.
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