Addis Ababa, 21 February 2012:  The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Jean Ping, congratulates the Somali parties for reaching a political agreement on ending the transition and laying the foundation for a new constitutional order.

This Somali-owned Agreement, known as the Garowe II Principles, adopted on 17 February 2012, in Puntland, Somalia, marks a significant step forward in the peace and reconciliation process. The Chairperson of the Commission applauds the Somali stakeholders for their political maturity and sense of responsibility.

 

This Agreement comes on the eve of the London Conference of 23 February 2012, where a number of members of the international community are expected to agree on a holistic and coordinated approach, building on the political progress made by the Somalis and the achievements on the ground by the AU and TFG forces.

 

Against this background, the Chairperson of the Commission looks forward to the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution that would endorse the Strategic Concept for AMISOM future operations, as adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council, on 5 January 2012, and authorize the required support package. The adoption of such a resolution, together with the expected outcome of the London Conference, will inject further momentum into the ongoing efforts to promote lasting peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia. 

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