Addis Ababa — Communiqué issued by the chairperson of the African Union Commission on the restoration of Constitutional Order in Mauritania:

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Jean Ping, hails the entry into force of the Framework Agreement, concluded between the three major Mauritanian political poles, in Dakar on 2 June 2009.and signed in Nouackchott on 4 June , which was fully supported by the  AU Peace and Security Council  at its 192nd Meeting held on 10 June 2009.

The Chairperson of the Commission expresses satisfaction at the restoration of the Constitutional Order marked by the signing by President  Sidi Mohamed Ould  Cheikh  Abdallahi, of the Decree  on the formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) and the transformation, in conformity with Article 34 of the Mauritanian Constitution, of the High State Council into a Supreme National Defence Council , placed under the authority of the TGNU.

The Chairperson   of the Commission expresses his high appreciation to President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi for his high sense of responsibility and the general interest.  He pointed out the far reaching significance of his voluntary decision to hand over his Presidential mandate to the Mauritanian people, thus contributing historically to help Mauritania emerge from the crisis. This act opens the way for the organisation on 18 July 2009 of the First Round of early Presidential election to enable the Mauritanian people express their will in full sovereignty.

The Chairperson of the Commission takes note of the beginning of the Transitional period, whose successful conclusion will make it possible to strengthen   national reconciliation and deepen the democratic process in Mauritania. He paid tribute to the leaders of the three major political poles and other Mauritanian political and social forces for their invaluable contribution to the conclusion of the Framework Agreement. The Chairperson of the Commission urges the parties concerned to comply with the letter and spirit of this Agreement and to honour the commitments made in good faith and with all necessary diligence.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterated the determination of the AU to do everything to support the process for the implementation of the Framework Agreement   and to continue to work for the mobilization of the International Community and the coordination   of its efforts with a view particularly to organizing open, free and fair Presidential election at the date fixed. The AU intends to support, beyond the electoral process, the Mauritanian parties in the implementation of the other provisions of the Framework Agreement   and mobilize the International Community for that purpose.

The Chairperson of the Commission avails himself of   this opportunity to express his gratitude to President Abdoulaye Wade for his decisive  role and contribution  to the search for a consensual solution to the crisis. He paid tribute to the Chairman of the Union, Brother Leader Muammar Khaddafi, for his efforts and commitment to the resolution of the crisis. Similarly, he expressed the gratitude of the AU to all the members of the International Contact Group on Mauritania for their support   to the collective promotion of the restoration of Constitutional Order in Mauritania and urges them to fully support the process of the implementation of the Dakar Framework Agreement.

Addis Ababa, 27 June 2009