COMMUNIQUÉ

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 33^RD MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 33rd meeting held on 24 June 2005, adopted the following decision on the Situation in the Central African Republic (CAR):

Council,

1. Welcomes the positive evolution of the situation in the CAR, in particular the holding of legislative and presidential elections that marked the return to constitutional rule, following the coup d’Etat of 15 March 2003;

2. Decides, in light of the above, to lift the suspension of the CAR from the activities of the policy organs of the AU, imposed by the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, following the coup d’Etat of 15 March 2003;

3. Stresses the need for sustained support to the stabilisation of the situation in CAR, in particular through the provision of significant financial and economic assistance to consolidate the progress made thus far and to facilitate the socio-economic recovery of the CAR. Council appeals urgently to the AU Member States and international community at large to provide the necessary support to the CAR to effectively address the root causes of the recurrent instability in that country;

4. Decides to remain seized of the matter.