The African Union (AU) has urged its member states and partners to provide necessary support for the successful conclusion of the national dialogue of the Central African Republic (CAR) scheduled for January 24 in Khartoum, Sudan. The latest meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the 55-member Union has deliberated on the situation in CAR, according to an AU statement on Tuesday. The Council has commended CAR President, Faustin-Archange Touadera, for his readiness and cooperation, and it has also noted the goodwill and intentions expressed by the different groups to take part in the national dialogue within the framework of the African initiative. The Council has welcomed the commitment of the different groups to participate in the direct dialogue with the CAR government, under the leadership of the AU and with the support of the United Nations and countries of the region. It has also expressed its gratitude to the Sudanese authorities for having offered to host the talks. During the meeting, the Council reiterated its grave concern at the continuing deterioration of the security situation in the CAR and its consequences on the already very difficult socio-economic and humanitarian situation in the country. The council lauded the sustained efforts of the AU, through the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR, with the active support of the countries of the region, particularly through the Economic Community of Central African States. Xinhua
