PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCLII) Page 2 7. Reaffirms its commitment to continue to closely follow all political developments and to support ECOWAS in its efforts to ensure a swift resolution of the protracted crisis in GuineaBissau. Furthermore, Council reaffirms its readiness to assist the parties in Guinea Bissau in their search for a rapid settlement of the current crisis, in strict respect of the constitutional and legal provisions, as well as in the light of all agreements signed to date; 8. Urges all Bissau-Guinean parties to refrain from actions or statements that could escalate tensions and incite violence. In the same vein, Council underscores the need for the security and armed forces of Guinea Bissau to refrain from interfering in this political and institutional crisis and to continue to uphold the country’s constitution; 9. Appeals to all Member States and partners to financially support the continuation of the mandate of the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB) operations in Guinea-Bissau, whose mandate has been extended to 31 March 2018, until the necessary capacitation of the national security forces of Guinea Bissau is completed. In this regard, Council requests the AU Commission, in consultations with ECOWAS, to mobilize financial resources to support ECOMIB operations; 10. Decides to endorse the measures taken by ECOWAS in its 4 February 2018 decision, including sanctions against “political obstructionists” who are hampering the process of ending the crisis in the country. In this regard, Council requests the AU Commission to coordinate with the ECOWAS Commission, in order to ensure effective implementation of these measures. Furthermore, Council calls on the international community to extend full cooperation with ECOWAS and support the implementation of the sanction measures; 11. Requests the United Nations Security Council to endorse the PSC Communique endorsing the ECOWAS decision, in order to ensure its effective implementation; 12. Further requests the AU Chairperson to transmit the communiqué to the UN SecretaryGeneral, through him to the UN Security Council and to request that it be circulated as an official UN Security Council document; 13. Also requests the AU Commission to continue to provide regular updates to Council on the evolution of the situation in Guinea-Bissau; 14. Decides to remain actively seized of the situation.