PSC/PR/Comm(LXXX) Page 1 COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 80TH MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL OF THE AFRICAN UNION ON THE SITUATION IN SOMALIA The Peace and Security Council of the African Union, at its 80th meeting held on 18 July 2007, adopted the following decision on the situation in Somalia: Council, 1. Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in Somalia [PSC/PR/2(LXXX)]; 2. Strongly condemns the threats and/or acts of violence and terrorism perpetrated by those elements seeking to undermine the political process. Council calls on all member States and partners of the African Union to stand firm on the side of Somalia’s legitimate institutions in their efforts to fight violence and other acts aimed at undermining the political process. Council calls on all member States and the larger international community to cease immediately any further support for extremist elements or those who seek to block progress by violent means, and to support the ongoing efforts towards inclusive political dialogue; 3. Condemns, in the strongest terms, the attacks against the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and recalls that the Mission has no other objective than to support Somalia and its people in their efforts to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation; 4. Appeals to all the Somalis, both in the country and in the diaspora, to reject violence and to actively and constructively participate in the reconciliation process; 5. Welcomes the opening of the National Reconciliation Congress on 15 July 2007, in Mogadishu, as a significant step towards an all-inclusive and genuine reconciliation process, within the framework of the Transitional Federal Charter. In this respect, Council requests all the representatives of the Somali people participating in the Congress to bear their responsibilities and engage constructively in the process, and to seek peaceful solutions to the problems facing Somalia, within the framework of the Transitional Federal Charter; 6. Urges the Transitional Federal Institutions, in keeping with the objective of the National Reconciliation Congress, to spare no effort to reach out to all sections of the Somali population, with a view to facilitating the reconciliation process; 7. Encourages the Chairperson of the Commission, working closely with all stakeholders, including the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, the United Nations and other African Union partners, to continue and intensify his efforts in support of the reconciliation process in Somalia;