PSC/PR/Comm(LIV) Page 1 COMMUNIQUE OF THE 54TH MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) at its 54th meeting held on 2 June 2006, adopted the following decision on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Council, 1. Takes note of the Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) [PSC/PR/2(LIV)]; 2. Underscores the importance which the African Union attaches to the smooth conduct of the presidential and legislative elections due on 30 July 2006, which should conclude the ongoing transition, for the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in the DRC. In this regard, Council welcomes the progress made in the preparations for the elections and the high turnout of the Congolese people in the voter identification and registration exercise, which commenced on 20 June 2005, and in the constitutional referendum held on 18 and 19 December 2005. Council encourages the people of Congo to participate massively in the elections due on 30 July 2006 in order to, once again, demonstrate their commitment to peace and national reconciliation; 3. Expresses its support for the transition institutions, particularly the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the High Authority for the Media (HAM), as well as the Supreme Court, for the efforts they have deployed to create the necessary conditions for the smooth conduct of the electoral process and for the successful conclusion of the transitional period; 4. Invites the Congolese political stakeholders to support the electoral process, and to refrain from any action that can derail the smooth conduct of the elections. Council also calls upon the candidates for the two elections due on 30 July 2006, to conduct responsible electioneering campaign and to respect the existing institutions and scrupulously comply with the existing rules. Council urges the concerned parties to have recourse to the bodies and procedures put in place for this purpose, to consider and pronounce on any complaints they may have in the aftermath of the elections; 5. Urges the media to support the ongoing process in the country and to refrain from any activities likely to exacerbate tension before, during and after the elections; 6. Requests the Commission to consider ways and means to provide technical, administrative and financial support to the institutions involved in the electoral process, in close coordination with Member States. Council further requests the Commission to speed up the ongoing preparations for the timely deployment of a strong AU Civilian Electoral Observer Mission;