PSC/MIN/Comm.1(LXXVII) Page 2 Comoros) dispatched to The Comoros in March and April 2007, and INVITES the Chairperson of the Commission, in close consultation with the Chair of the Ministerial Committee on The Comoros, to finalize the modalities of the envisaged AU Electoral and Security Assistance Mission to The Comoros (MAES) and ensure its deployment as soon as possible; 6. DECIDES that MAES shall be deployed for an initial period running from 13 May to 31 July 2007, with the following mandate: i. to assist the Comorian security forces to create a secure and stable environment for the holding of free, fair and transparent elections of the Presidents of the Islands; ii. to oversee and ascertain that the Comorian security forces play an effective role in ensuring that the elections are trouble-free, in accordance with international standards; iii. to monitor the electoral process; iv. to encourage dialogue among the Comorian parties; v. to provide long-term assistance to strengthen the capacities of the Comorian forces and facilitate the effective restoration of the authority of the central government in Anjouan; 7. URGES Member States to contribute the military and civilian police personnel, as well as the financial and logistical resources required, to facilitate the timely deployment of MAES and the successful accomplishment of its mandate; 8. APPEALS to the AU partners to provide the necessary financial and logistical support to facilitate the deployment of MAES and the effective accomplishment of its mandate; 9. EXPRESSES APPRECIATION to the Ministerial Committee of the countries of the region on The Comoros for the work accomplished under the coordination of South Africa, and ENCOURAGES the Committee to pursue its efforts, including undertaking a mission to The Comoros as soon as possible, to support the efforts aimed at consolidating the reconciliation process in the country; 10. DECIDES to remain seized with the matter.