Sirte, Libya  - African leaders agreed on Friday to establish a common executive "authority" for the African Union (AU) which will coordinate key policies on the continent, the Libyan secretary in charge of African Union (AU) affairs Ali Triki said.

Triki said that the members of the African Union (AU) have also agreed on the creation of several posts in the prospective executive, including a president. The announcement came on the last day of the AU's 13th summit, being held in the Libyan coastal city of Sirte.

The body would not however have any transnational power unless it wins approval from African national governments.

The AU also agreed to create the post of vice-president and several ministers such as a minister for peace and security and a minister for common defence.

The "African Authority" could the way for a prospective "United States of Africa," which is the stated ambition of Libyan head of state Moamer Gaddafi, who is also the current holder of the AU's rotating chair.

Delegates from the 52 member states have been gathered since last Wednesday, trying to raise the body's role in international affairs.(dpa)