PSC/PR/Comm(CLXXVIII) Page 1 COMMUNIQUE OF THE 178TH MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL 1. The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 178th meeting held on 13 March 2009, continued the exchange of views that started at its 172nd meeting held on 24 February 2009, on the report of the African Union /United Nations Panel of Experts on the modalities for supporting African Union peacekeeping operations in the light of the presentation [(PSC/PR/2(CLXXVIII) by the Commission.   2. Council recalled decision Assembly/AU/Dec. 222(XII) adopted by the Assembly of the Union at its 12th Ordinary Session, held in Addis Ababa from 1 to 3 February 2009, and requesting Council to meet as early as possible to review the Report of the African Union - United Nations Panel on Modalities for Support to African Peacekeeping Operations and submit its input prior to the consideration of the said report by the United Nations Security Council. 3. Council also recalled decision Assembly/Dec.145 (VIII) adopted by the Assembly of the Union at its 8th Ordinary Session, held in Addis Ababa from 29 to 30 January 2007, and requesting the United Nations, to examine, within the context of Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, the possibility of funding, through assessed contributions, peace-keeping operations undertaken by the AU or under its authority and with the consent of the United Nations. Council further recalled its earlier communiqués and statements on the cooperation between the AU and the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security, in particular the document adopted at its 98th meeting held on 8 and 23 November 2007 and the press statement issued at its 152nd meeting held on 7 October 2008. 4. Council stressed that the United Nations Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security; that regional arrangements, in particular the African Union, have an important role to play in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations; and that support by the United Nations to the regional organizations in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security are an integral part of collective security as provided for in the Charter of the United Nations. 5. Council emphasized the important role that Africa play in the promotion of peace, security and stability through troop contribution, political management of conflict and crisis situations and provision of financial and logistical resources. 6. Council stressed that the report of the African Union - United Nations Panel marks an important step in the overall efforts to enhance the capacity of the AU to meet the peace and security challenges facing the continent and to mobilize greater support within the larger international community. Council commended the Chair of the Panel and its members for their efforts.