PSC/PR/Comm.2(XXXVII)
Page 1
COMMUNIQUE OF THE 37TH MEETING
OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 37th
meeting, held on 8 September 2005, adopted the following decisions on the situation
in Burundi:
The Council,
1.
Welcomes the conclusion of the transitional period in Burundi, the successful
conduct of the electoral process and the peaceful transfer of power to democratically
elected institutions, which constitute a landmark in the efforts to promote lasting
peace and reconciliation in Burundi;
2.
Further welcomes the election of Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza as President of the
Republic of Burundi and the establishment of new institutions, based on the
principles defined beforehand by the Burundian Constitution. In this respect, Council
commends the Burundian parties for their achievement with regard to gender
representation;
3.
Congratulates the people of Burundi and all stakeholders in the country for
their determination and patience which made it possible to achieve considerable
progress in the promotion of peace, stability and reconciliation in Burundi;
4.
Further congratulates the members of the Regional Peace Initiative for
Burundi, the Facilitation of the Burundi Peace Process, the United Nations and all
other bilateral and multilateral partners of Burundi, for the critical role they played in
the peace efforts in Burundi;
5.
Congratulates the African Mission in Burundi (AMIB), deployed from April
2003 to June 2004, the Protection Force for political leaders, which operates under
an AU mandate, and the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB), for their
support and important contribution to the implementation of the Arusha Peace and
Reconciliation Agreement and subsequent agreements reached by the Burundian
parties;
6.
Encourages the Government of Burundi and all other stakeholders to work
resolutely towards the consolidation of the progress made and the conclusion of the
peace process, including the security sector reform and the training of the new
security forces, the enhancement of national reconciliation and the recovery and
reconstruction of the country;
7.
Urges that renewed efforts be made for the conclusion of a ceasefire
agreement with the PALIPEHUTU/FNL. In this respect, Council appeals urgently to
the PALIPEHUTU/ FNL to join the peace process without delay;
8.
Stresses the need for a sustained support by the international community in
order to consolidate the achievements made in Burundi. In this respect, Council
appeals to all the partners of Burundi to provide the requisite assistance, in particular
financial and socio-economic, for the post-conflict reconstruction and development of
Burundi.