PSC/PR/1(DCXCIX) Page 2 creating conditions conducive to timely and smooth preparation and holding of the upcoming elections; 6. Commends ECOWAS for its continued efforts to find a breakthrough to the current impasse in Guinea Bissau, as reiterated in the final Communique of 51st ECOWAS Summit. In this respect, Council further commends the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB) for its stabilization efforts since its deployment in the country and welcomes the extension of its mandate for 3 additional months. Meanwhile, Council expresses concern at the envisaged withdrawal of ECOMIB from Guinea Bissau by end September 2017, due to financial constraints. In this respect, Council calls on the international community to join efforts to mobilize financial resources in support to the continuation of ECOMIB operations in this critical path in Guinea-Bissau. Council expresses its support to the determination of ECOWAS to take all necessary measures to ensure the full implementation of the Conakry Agreement for lasting peace and stability in Guinea Bissau; 7. Urges the international community, in particular the P5 (AU, UN, EU, ECOWAS, Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP)), to pursue its efforts in a coordinated manner in the search for a lasting solution to the challenges facing Guinea Bissau. Council further decides to undertake, in the course of 2017, a field mission to Guinea Bissau to follow up on the implementation of AU and ECOWAS decisions and to engage the stakeholders on the way forward; 8. Requests the Commission to continue to provide regular updates to Council on the situation in Guinea Bissau; 9. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Select target paragraph3