PSC/PR/BR(CXCVIII) Page 2 PRESS STATEMENT OF THE 198th MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 198th meeting held on 21 July 2009, was briefed by the Commission on the evolution of the situation in Somalia. Council reiterated its strong condemnation of the continued acts of aggression perpetrated against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), the civilian population and AMISOM in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia by armed groups, including foreign elements, bent on undermining the peace and reconciliation process, as well as regional stability. Council noted with grave concern the prevailing security situation in Somalia despite the concerted efforts of AMISOM and the TFG forces to ensure peace and stability of Mogadishu, in particular, and South-Central Somalia, in general; Council welcomed the outcome of the consultative meeting of the AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) held in Addis Ababa on 20 July 2009, and supported the recommendations on ownership of the process by the TFG. Council also welcomed the outcome of the meeting on capacity building for the TFG convened by AMISOM, in collaboration with AU partners, in Nairobi, Kenya, on 14 and 15 July 2009. Council urged partners to speed up the disbursement of the pledges made at the Brussels Conference of April 2009. Council noted the signing of the MoU relating to the provision of logistical support by the UN to AMISOM and called for its full and speedy implementation. Council welcomed the communiqué issued at the 33rd extra-ordinary IGAD Council of Ministers meeting held in Addis Ababa on 10 July 2009. Council underscored the call contained in the IGAD communiqué of 20 May 2009, as endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council meeting of 22 May 2009, and by the 13th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, calling for the UN Security Councils to take immediate measures, including the imposition of sanctions on all spoilers, including Eritrea, the imposition of a no fly zone, blockade of sea ports and the monitoring of Somalia’s land borders, to prevent the entry of foreign elements into Somalia, as well as flights and shipments carrying weapons and ammunitions to armed groups inside Somalia, which are carrying out attacks against the TFG, the civilian population and AMISOM. Council paid tribute to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda for their readiness to contribute additional battalions to AMISOM. Council reiterated its call on AU Member States to provide additional troops and logistical support to facilitate the attainment of AMISOM authorised strength.