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09.05.2012 Africa

African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Receives Deputy Joint Special Representative (Political) of UNAMID

09.05.2012 LISTEN
By African Union Commission (AUC)

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 9, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Jean Ping, received in his office at the AU Headquarters, on 08 May 2012, the Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) Political of the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Mrs. Aichatou Mindaoudou.

Both personalities exchanged views on several UNAMID-related issues, notably activities of the substantive components of the Mission under the supervision of the DJSR(P).

The Chairperson commended UNAMID and its leadership for the success achieved so far and noted that the mission is a ''first and unique experience'' which the AUC believes can be an excellent model for future peacekeeping operations in Africa.

Dr. Ping expressed appreciation to the Mission's leadership for its tenacity and steadfast dedication, despite the difficult political challenges and other constraints that confront it.

The Chairperson also expressed the hope that the international community will take advantage of recent developments and dynamics in the sub-region to enhance and pursue to its logical conclusion, the search for durable peace and stability in Darfur and in relations between Sudan and South Sudan.

He reiterated the determination of the African Union to remain engaged in Sudan and South Sudan and help them to achieve the desired goal of peaceful co-existence as brothers and friendly neighbours.

The DJSR(P) discussed her duties with the Chairperson, highlighting the achievements and challenges of her job. She assured the Chairperson of the continued engagement of the UNAMID leadership, under the guidance of the Mission's Joint Special Representative, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and with the continued full support of both the AU and the UN, in the discharge of their onerous responsibilities.

Mrs. Mindaoudou also paid a courtesy call on the Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, with whom she exchanged views on some of the current challenges facing UNAMID.

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