"The meeting (on Tuesday and Wednesday) will consider recommendations on key issues relating to the establishment, structure and mechanism of the proposed African Defence Force," a statement issued by the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa said.

Military chiefs from AU member states began a meeting here Sunday to prepare the groundwork for the ministers' gathering, according to the statement.

"The ministers are expected to consider the key generic components of the force, including the planning elements at the AU commission and headquarters level," the statement added.

They will discuss strengthening peacekeeping initiatives, operation procedures and a framework on logistics for the force, the statement added.

The ministers will also review a pan-African defence policy known as the Common African Defence and Security Policy (CADSP), which was prepared by experts after the Durban AU summit.

They are also expected to adopt a non-aggression pact between African states and suggest ways of implementing CADSP, according to the statement.

The 53-member AU last year succeeded the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was much criticised during its 39 years of existence for being powerless in resolving Africa's several conflicts.

The AU, loosely modelled on the European Union, will soon have a parliament and Peace and Security Council authorised to send in a stand-by peacekeeping force drawn from African armies in cases of conflict.

An AU common court of justice and a common African currency are also planned.

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