Assembly/AU/Dec.193 (XI) Page 5 4 March 2007. The Assembly CALLS ON the international community to continue to accompany and support the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire; 23. WELCOMES the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations of 7 April 2008 on the relationship between the UN and regional organizations, in particular the African Union, in the maintenance of international peace and security. The Assembly COMMENDS the Republic of South Africa for the sustained efforts that it has made in following up on the Assembly’s decision of January 2007 for the funding of AU-led peace support operations through UN assessed contributions. The Assembly ALSO EXPRESSES appreciation to the other African Members of the Security Council for their support and efforts; 24. ALSO WELCOMES the Secretary-General’s proposal, endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 1809(2008) of 16 April 2008, to set up an African Union-United Nations panel consisting of distinguished persons to consider in-depth the modalities of how to support, including financing, peacekeeping operations undertaken by regional organizations, in particular as related to start-up funding, equipment and logistics, and make concrete recommendations. The Assembly REQUESTS the Commission to continue to follow up the implementation of this resolution.