PSC/PR/Comm(LV) Page 1 COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 55TH PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) at its 55th meeting held on 17 June 2006, adopted the following decision on the situation Somalia: Council, 1. Expresses grave concern at the prevailing situation in Somalia and its implications for the peace and reconciliation process in that country as well as for the security and stability of the region as a whole. In this respect, Council reiterates its strong condemnation of the fighting in and around Mogadishu, as well as the events in Jowhar and elsewhere in the country, which resulted in the loss of life and further suffering for the civilian population; 2. Strongly appeals to all concerned within Somalia to refrain from any action likely to aggravate the situation, to seek the path of dialogue and to extend the necessary cooperation to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), as the legitimate authority in Somalia, in order to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation in the country; 3. Fully supports the initiatives taken by IGAD, including the communiqué issued by the Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers, held in Nairobi on 13 June 2006, as well as the central role of IGAD in the efforts aimed at sustaining the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia; 4. Urges the international community to extend all the necessary assistance to the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) to enable them to fully assume their responsibilities, with a view to restoring lasting peace, reconciliation and stability in Somalia. In this respect, Council welcomes the commitment of the International Somalia Contact Group to work with the UN, the AU and the IGAD to support the implementation of the Transitional Federal Charter and Institutions, as expressed in the communiqué issued following the meeting held in New York on 15 June 2006; 5. Requests the Commission, working closely with the IGAD, to take all necessary steps for the early deployment of a Peace Support Mission in Somalia, as provided for in decision PSC/PR/Comm.(XXIX) adopted at its 29th meeting held on 12 May 2005. In this regard, Council reiterates its request to the Security Council to provide an exemption to the arms embargo imposed on Somalia by resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992. Council welcomes the adoption by the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP),on 14 June 2006, of the National Security and Stabilization Plan; 6. Invites AU partners to provide the requisite political, financial and logistical support to facilitate the successful conclusion of the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, including the deployment of a peace support mission in the country. In this regard, Council looks forward to the outcome of the meeting to be convened by the Commission and IGAD with all stakeholders to agree on how best to expedite the implementation of previous IGAD and AU decisions, in order to enhance the prospects for peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Somalia. Council stresses the important role of the Coordination and Monitoring Committee (CMC) and welcomes the agreement reached