PSC/AHG/Comm(LXIV) Page 1 Rev. 1 COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 64TH MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL The Peace and Security Council of the African Union, at its 64th meeting held on 17 October 2006, at the level of Heads of State and Government, adopted the following decision on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire: The Council, 1. Recalls decision PSC/AHG/Comm(XL) adopted at its 40th meeting held on 6 October 2005, which stipulates that the arrangements agreed upon in the LinasMarcoussis Agreement of 23 January 2003 shall continue from 31 October 2005 for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months, as well as resolution 1633 (2005) adopted by the United Nations Security Council on 21 October 2005; 2. Takes note with satisfaction of the efforts made by all the Ivorian leaders with a view to restoring confidence between the parties concerned and urges them to pursue their efforts; 3. Reiterates its concern over the persistence of the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and the dangers it poses to the unity of that country and the cohesion of its social fabric, as well as to peace and stability in the West African region; 4. Reaffirms the commitment of the African Union 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 Côte d’Ivoire. The Council also reaffirms the commitment of the African Union to the peaceful settlement of disputes and its total rejection of the use of force, as well as of any unconstitutional change of Government; 5. Pays tribute to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the leaders of the region for their relentless efforts aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire; 6. Pays tribute also to the United Nations for its invaluable contribution to the search for peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, in particular through the role being played by the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), and welcomes the personal and continued involvement of its Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and his commitment to the restoration of peace in Côte d’Ivoire; 7. Further pays tribute to President Thabo Mbeki of the Republic of South Africa for the untiring efforts he has deployed in the service of peace and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the numerous initiatives he has taken to move forward the peace process, in his capacity as African Union Mediator, driven by his deep commitment to finding African solutions to African problems; 8. Commends President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, Chairperson of the African Union, for his tireless efforts and for the initiatives he has taken to support the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire and to assist in overcoming the obstacles encountered in its implementation;