PSC/AHG/COMM/1.(CDXVI) Page 2 7. Reiterates its appreciation to the IGAD and its Chairperson, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, as well as to the other leaders of the region, for their commitment and leadership in the search for a lasting solution to the crisis in South Sudan. Council also commends the IGAD Mediation Team, chaired by Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin and comprising Generals Lazaro K. Sumbeiywo and Mohamed Ahmed M. El Dabi, for its perseverance and dedication in the discharge of its mandate. Council expresses appreciation at the close coordination between the Mediation Team and the AU, and calls for continued collaboration in line with the underlying principles of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). Council also expresses appreciation to the international partners for their continued support to the IGAD-led efforts; 8. Notes with satisfaction the steps taken by the Commission in support of the IGAD mediation efforts, including the visit undertaken by the Chairperson of the Commission to Juba, on 20 January 2014, and the interactions she had with both President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the detainees; 9. Welcomes the signing of the Agreements on Cessation of Hostilities and on the Status of Detainees signed in Addis Ababa, on 23 January 2014, between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – SPLM/A (in opposition), and commends the Parties for the spirit of compromise they have shown; 10. Demands that the Parties: (a) faithfully and fully abide by their commitments under the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, to effectively end hostilities and hostile propaganda. In this respect, Council expresses concern at the reported skirmishes between the Parties and underlines its determination, in cooperation with IGAD, to hold those responsible accountable, (b) ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian access, it being understood that any violation of commitments made in this respect should be fully documented by the AU Commission of Inquiry, as part of the efforts to ensure accountability and fight impunity, and (c) cooperate fully with IGAD towards the early operationalization of the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM) provided for in the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities. In this respect, Council welcomes the ongoing IGAD efforts for the establishment and effective functioning of the MVM and AU’s contribution to those efforts; 11. Underlines the importance of the commitment made by the Parties to an all-inclusive dialogue and reconciliation process, with the aim of resolving the issues connected with the current crisis and laying the foundation for lasting peace, security and stability in their country. In this respect, Council stresses the need for such a dialogue, building on the relevant provisions of the Agreement on the Status of Detainees and earlier AU’s pronouncements, to be anchored on the following principles: