PSC/AHG/Comm(XL)
Page 1
COMMUNIQUE OF THE 40th MEETING
OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the Africa Union (AU), at its 40th
meeting at the level of the Heads of State and Government, held on 6 October
2005, adopted the following decision on Côte d’Ivoire:
The Council,
1.
Reiterates its concern at the persistence of the crisis and the deterioration
of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, which seriously threaten peace and stability in
the West African region;
2.
Pays tribute to the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) and the leaders of the region for their constant efforts to promote
peace and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire;
3.
Pays tribute also to President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa for his untiring
efforts in the service of peace and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire and reaffirms
his role as AU Mediator, and commends him for the progress achieved in the
implementation of the relevant provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis and Accra III
Agreements signed on 24 January 2003 and 30 July 2004, respectively;
4.
Reaffirms the commitment of the AU to the respect of the sovereignty,
independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, in conformity with the
relevant principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, as well
as the imperative need for the speedy reunification of Cote d’Ivoire;
5.
Underscores the fact that the solution to the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire can
only be resolved through dialogue and consultation, with the support of the
international community. The Council urges the parties to show utmost restraint
and refrain from any use of force and unilateral action, which can only further
complicate the search for a solution;
6.
Reaffirms that the Linas-Marcoussis, Accra III and Pretoria Agreements
are the appropriate framework for the peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in
Côte d’Ivoire;
7.
Requests the Government and all the other Ivorian parties to do their
utmost to ensure the security of persons and property, including that of foreigners
and of the peacekeeping forces;
8.
Takes note of the report submitted by ECOWAS following the
Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, on 30
September 2005, and the recommendations adopted at this Summit, in
accordance with the decision adopted by the 38th meeting of the PSC, in New
York, on 14 September 2005;