The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, welcomes the positive evolution of the situation in Guinea and the progress made towards ending the crisis in the country. In particular, he welcomes the Agreement signed in Ouagadougou on 15 January 2010, which notably provides for the establishment of a unity Government to be led by a Prime Minister from the Forces Vives, the holding of elections within six months, and the commitment of the members of the CNDD and the Government not to stand for the forthcoming elections.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the support of the AU to the efforts of the Mediator, President Blaise Compaore. He encourages the parties in Guinea to persevere in their efforts for the speedy return to constitutional order.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the commitment of the AU, in collaboration with ECOWAS, in particular within the framework of the International Contact Group on Guinea, and with the support of its partners within the international community, to continue to support and accompany the process of return to constitutional order, on the basis of relevant decisions of the AU Peace and Security Council and ECOWAS.

The progress thus made constitutes a significant contribution to the realization of the objectives of the Year of Peace and Security, proclaimed by the Special Session of the Assembly of the Union held in Tripoli on 31 August 2009. One of the objectives of the Year, whose motto is "Make Peace Happen," is to give new impetus to efforts to promote peace, security and stability in Africa.

Addis Ababa, 16 January 2010