PSC/MIN/Comm(LXIII) Page 1 COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 63RD MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN DARFUR The Peace and Security Council of the African Union, at its 63rd meeting, held at the level of the Heads of State and Government, on 20 September 2006, in New York, adopted the following decision on the situation in Darfur: Council, 1. Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in Darfur (PSC/MIN/2(LXIII); 2. Reaffirms its attachment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Sudan; 3. Expresses its conviction that the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) signed in Abuja, Nigeria, on 5 May 2006, which was the culmination of intensive negotiations conducted by the AU Mediation, with the support of the international community, remains a viable framework for a comprehensive solution to the conflict and a solid basis for the restoration of lasting peace and reconciliation in Darfur, and that its full implementation will positively impact on the rest of the Sudan and on the neighboring countries. In this respect, Council welcomes the steps taken towards the implementation of the DPA, including the preparations for the launching of the Darfur Darfur-Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC); 4. Calls upon the signatories to the DPA and the Declaration of Commitment (DoC) of 8 June 2006 to fully honor their commitments. Council demands, once again, that those parties that have not signed the DPA do so without delay. To this end, Council encourages efforts by the AU; 5. Notes with concern that, in spite of the signing of the DPA and the sustained efforts by the AU to create a conducive environment for its implementation, the hopes and expectations generated by the Agreement have not yet materialized. In this respect, Council notes with deep concern that the security situation remains volatile and continues to deteriorate even further in some parts of Darfur, consequently worsening the humanitarian and human rights situation, and that the current build-up of forces by all the parties poses further risks and challenges to the peace efforts. Council demands that all the parties cease all acts of violence and atrocities on the ground and comply with their commitments under the N’djamena Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreement of April 2004, the Abuja Protocols on Humanitarian and Security issues of November 2004, and the DPA, including refraining from conducting hostile military flights in and over Darfur; 6. Reiterates its decision to impose targeted measures against all individuals or groups undermining the DPA, obstructing its implementation, or violating the Comprehensive Ceasefire;