WHO: Valerie Amos, Emergency Relief Coordinator and United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs

WHAT: Mission to Cote d'Ivoire

WHEN: 18-20 June 2014

WHERE: Abidjan and field visit; West and Central African Consultations for the World Humanitarian Summit 2016

Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, will visit Cote d'Ivoire from 18 to 20 June. Ms. Amos is scheduled to participate in the West and Central Africa regional consultation for the World Humanitarian Summit. She is expected to visit Grabo in western Côte d'Ivoire to meet displaced people and the communities hosting them.

West and Central Africa is the first region to host a consultation in the lead-up to the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016. During the consultation, community groups, national governments, regional organizations, humanitarian and development organizations, academics and businesses from the region will discuss the future of aid, focusing on humanitarian effectiveness; reducing vulnerability and managing risks; innovation; and serving the needs of people in conflict.

During her visit, Ms. Amos will meet Government officials and humanitarian representatives to discuss ways of strengthening capacities to meethumanitarian challenges in Côte d'Ivoire.

Ms.Amos is scheduled to give a press conference on Friday 20 June 2014 at 18:00 at Hotel Sofitel, Abidjan.

“I am very concerned that international obligations to ensure that medical units are protected during times of conflict are not being upheld,” said Mr. Cappelaere.

“Inside, are ordinary people who are seeking medical attention in a civilian hospital and humanitarian relief workers. They should not have to pay for this conflict with their lives. I would like to remind all parties to this conflict that clearly marked medical units are not to be attacked. The bombing of a medical facility simply should not happen,” he said.

• Philips' breakthrough energy-efficient LED lighting solutions contribute to Kenya's energy saving ambitions as part of the Vision2030

• 21st century LED Technology beautifies city icon as part of the Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow

Royal Philips (AEX: PHIA, NYSE: PHG) (http://www.philips.com), the global leader in lighting, today showcases its newest LED technology by illuminating the Kenya National Archives (http://www.archives.go.ke) in Nairobi as part of the fifth consecutive pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow). The stunning light makeover of this iconic Kenyan monument beautifies the central business district of Nairobi, provides energy savings of up to 80%, and supports the ambitions of the Kenyan government to be more energy efficient.

Logo Philips : http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/philips-1.jpg

Photo 1: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1173

Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1174

Infographic: http://www.philipsafricaroadshow.com/2014-roadshow/infographic/

The digital LED technology creates more light, while making it more focused and controlled. The state of the art lighting system will allow the Kenya National Archives to minimize light spill and directs light exactly to where it is needed. The system will also simplify the maintenance schedule as the innovative LED lights have an extended lifetime of up to 100,000 hours compared to only 20,000 hours with conventional lighting solutions. Philips has provided all aspects of the LED lighting at the building, including design consultation, management of the installation with local contractors, programming, commissioning and overall project management.

Greening the Kenya National Archives with energy-efficient LED lighting innovations

“It is a moment of pride to see our efforts transform the Kenya National Archives into such an impressive spectacle”, says Mary Kuria, General Manager, Philips Lighting East Africa. “Using a state of the art lighting system, the façade and masts of this iconic monument now have lights complementing its architecture and adding to its glory. Moreover, with the energy-efficient LED lighting, the National Archives has not only become more colorful, it also has become a great deal greener. The beautification underlines Philips' commitment to contribute to Kenya's energy efficiency ambitions. The people in Nairobi can look forward to many more nights of splendor as the majestic monument flaunts its new look.”

According to the United Nations (http://www.unep.org/sbci/pdfs/PromotingEEBEastAfrica.pdf), energy used in buildings in Africa is estimated at 56% of the total national electricity consumption. As part of the part of Kenya's Vision2030 (http://www.vision2030.go.ke/index.php/vision), the government aims to green the economy (http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/AdvisoryServices/Kenya/tabid/56352/Default.aspx) and to stimulate energy efficiency. As in many countries, electricity demand is highest in the evenings in Kenya. According to the Kenyan Ministry of Energy (http://www.usea.org/sites/default/files/event-presentations/WangombeIhuthiaPPT.pdf) and The Kenya Power & Lighting Company Ltd, efficient lighting technologies offer the cheapest and fastest option to reduce this evening peak in electricity demand. By giving the Kenya National Archives (http://www.archives.go.ke) a light makeover, Philips demonstrates that LED lighting technology can save energy while enhancing the beauty of a city. It reconfirms Philips' commitment to contribute to energy efficiency in Kenya.

21st century light technology sheds new light on Kenya's National Archives

Philips is placing its state-of-the-art LED technology at the service of the iconic Kenya National Archives. Situated in Nairobi's central business district, the archives holds and preserves all public records and archives in Kenya. The Kenya National Archives (http://www.archives.go.ke) is a museum and an art gallery, all rolled into one. The building was constructed back in 1931 by the National & Grindlays Bank. From 1970 through 1978, it was owned by Kenya Commercial Bank. It was later acquired by the Kenyan government for the National Archives. The use of Philips' LED lighting will further enhance the beauty of this iconic building and will ultimately contribute to the tourism value of the Kenya National Archives.

The advantages of the LED lighting installed at Kenya National Archives include:

- The LED lighting system reduces energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional lighting.

- A far longer lifespan: around 100,000 hours compared to 20,000 hours with conventional lighting.

- A reduction in maintenance costs: LED luminaires require little maintenance.

The fifth pan-African Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow

Nairobi is the fifth destination on Philips' annual flagship Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow) (from 14th April to 3rd September 2014) which focuses on two key challenges facing Africa today - the need for energy-efficient lighting and the revitalization of African healthcare infrastructure. Philips has committed to illuminating one iconic monument in every city visited during the roadshow with the latest LED technology. As the number one LED lighting company in the world, Philips will now provide a stunning lighting makeover of historic, well-recognized monuments in African cities.

The Roadshow will make its way across seven countries and ten cities in Africa. The next stop will be in Lagos, Nigeria on the 8th of July.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Royal Philips.

For more information please follow the Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow on: http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow

For further information, please contact:

Radhika Choksey

Philips Group Communications - Africa

Tel: +31 62525 9000

E-mail: radhika.choksey@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) (http://www.philips.com) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 112,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

• Tablet-sized miniaturized ultrasound system enables incredible portability; VISIQ is a clinical innovation that addresses local needs

• The fifth consecutive Cairo to Cape Town roadshow continues focus on mother and child care

Royal Philips (AEX: PHIA, NYSE: PHG) (http://www.philips.com) today unveiled its new ultra-mobile ultrasound system VISIQ (http://www.healthcare.philips.com/main/products/ultrasound/systems/visiq) to the Kenyan market during the Nairobi leg of its annual pan-African Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow (http://www.philipsafricaroadshow.com). Currently in its fifth consecutive year, the roadshow enables Philips to engage in dialogue with customers, governments, NGOs and media to ascertain a better understanding of each country's unique requirements and to develop relevant technology to support their needs on maternal and infant care.

Logo Philips: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/philips-1.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1175

Infographic: http://www.philipsafricaroadshow.com/2014-roadshow/infographic/

The size of a tablet, the VISIQ is the first ultra-mobile system from Philips. It provides high quality images for expectant mothers wherever care is taking place. VISIQ (http://www.healthcare.philips.com/main/products/ultrasound/systems/visiq) exemplifies Philips commitment to more cost effective, simplified, patient-focused health care innovations with high clinical performance.

By launching this new system in Kenya, Philips continues to demonstrate its dedicated support to the Kenyan Ministry of Health in its mission to reduce child mortality rates, improve maternal health, meet the UN Millennium Development Goals 4 & 5 and revitalize Kenya's health infrastructure as part of Kenya's Vision2030 (http://www.vision2030.go.ke/index.php/vision).

Maternal screening allows for early detection of complications

According to the Philips Fabric of Africa trends report (http://philips.to/T6KhQp), women in Africa are at significant risk of premature death, with particular high mortality rates recorded in pregnancy. Women in semi-urban and rural areas across Kenya (in fact all of Africa) often die due to preventable complications during child birth as they have no access to ultrasound screenings to detect critical conditions. Many of these deaths can be diagnosed with basic imaging technology.

One of the benefits of VISIQ is that it is portable and easy to use so it's available for expectant mothers in remote areas who wouldn't otherwise have access to this type of innovative technology. “It makes me proud to see how Philips' cost-effective, easy to operate ultrasound systems can make a real difference in Africa. It shows that meaningful innovations can contribute to saving people's lives,” says Peter van de Ven, Vice President & General Manager, Philips Healthcare Africa. “Improving access to healthcare is high on the Philips agenda in Africa and we are very eager to contribute to the Vision2030 goals of the Kenyan government to improve access to quality care for all Kenyans. VISIQ allows clinicians to provide ultrasound in a variety of clinical environments, offering soon-to-be parents the comfort of having regular pre-natal check-ups.”

Designed for the needs of the Kenyan market

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diagnostic imaging is crucial in healthcare. Many countries in the developing world cannot afford to purchase expensive high technology imaging equipment despite the urgent need to use imaging resources in these countries.(1) “There is a growing global focus on cost effective systems, smaller footprints and imaging equipment which is both easier to operate but has improved clinical functionality. The Philips VISIQ has been specifically designed with this in mind and embodies Philips' image quality legacy, driving innovation and efficiency in ultrasound imaging. VISIQ provides high quality images for quick and reliable diagnostic decision making,” summarizes, Peter van de Ven.

VISIQ's unique combination of mobility, ease of use and image quality, will enable clinicians to perform ultrasound examinations across a variety of clinical settings. Small outpatient clinics or community centers can carry out comprehensive obstetric and abdominal scans themselves rather than referring patients to regional ultrasound centers. This enables fast diagnosis and treatment. Approximately ten times smaller than a traditional ultrasound machine and with reduced energy consumption, VISIQ can also be used in community care programs in remote rural areas for screening, triage and fetal well-being scans, all of which helps to address the critical issue of maternal and infant care in Kenya.

Maternity screening camp to enable early detection of complications

As per previous years, Philips is organizing a maternity screening camp during the Cairo to Cape Town roadshow jointly with African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) (http://www.amref.org) in Kibera; the largest informal settlement in Nairobi. For a majority of the expectant mothers in this community, this screening camp will be their first ever opportunity to have a scan. This will ensure that any complications are detected in advance of labour. Philips will be providing ultrasound equipment, including the VISIQ system and clinical specialists for the camp, whereas AMREF, through its referral programme with the local public hospitals, will take care of any complications detected during the screening.

Philips is also organizing a roundtable discussion as part of its ‘Fabric of Africa' campaign (http://www.philips.com/FabricofAfrica), on the topic of “Innovations in Rural Healthcare” and will organize clinical training workshops on topics including fetal monitoring, infant warming, jaundice management and clinical ultrasound. Over the course of three days, Philips will train close to 120 local healthcare professionals, increasing the quality of healthcare workforce in Kenya.

The fifth pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow

Nairobi is the fourth stop on Philips' annual flagship Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow) (from 14th April to 3rd September 2014) which focuses on two key challenges facing Africa today - the need for energy-efficient lighting and the revitalization of African healthcare infrastructure. Philips remains consistently committed to reducing child mortality and improving maternal health, linked to the current UN Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 (MDGs) (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals). In contribution to the Post-2015 Development Agenda (http://www.post2015hlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/UN-Report.pdf), Philips calls for improving universal access to healthcare and reducing the double-disease burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as additions to the current MDGs. The Roadshow will make its way across seven countries and ten cities in Africa. The next stop will be in Lagos, Nigeria on the 8th of July.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Royal Philips.

For more information please follow the Cairo to Cape Town roadshow on:

http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow

Infographic: http://www.philipsafricaroadshow.com/2014-roadshow/infographic/

For further information, please contact:

Radhika Choksey

Philips Group Communications - Africa

Tel: +31 62525 9000

E-mail: radhika.choksey@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) (http://www.philips.com) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 112,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/ingenico.jpg

With the support of the GIM-UEMOA, Ingenico Group has played an active role in the rise of electronic payment systems and the development of banking services in West Africa, thanks to a strong network of partners in the countries of the UEMOA (West African Economic and Monetary Union), and a number of projects aimed at promoting banking services and the use of payment methods.

For many years, Ingenico has been organising meetings between bankers and merchants in most of the countries in the region in order to raise awareness about the importance of electronic payment systems for socio-economic development, the security aspect relating to transactions and the possibility of paying money into bank accounts in real time.

The very first transaction effected by the GIM was made via an Ingenico POS device with the Versus Bank in Ivory Coast. Today around 1,200 POS solutions are deployed across the UEMOA region.

This long-standing partnership is now being validated by Ingenico Group's participation as a Diamond Partner in the 4th regional event for electronic payment systems (Salon Monétique Régional) June 19-20 in Dakar. At this event, Ingenico Group will take part as a moderator in the panel “mPOS and contactless payment as a catalyst for the development of retail payment systems” and will present its range of innovative solutions, including Branchless Banking, Mobile Money and money transfer, in a bid to promote financial inclusion in West Africa.

Ingenico Africa, which was recently established in Casablanca, Morocco, is taking advantage of this event to congratulate the GIM-UEMOA for all it has done for the promotion and accessibility of electronic payment systems in the sub-region.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Ingenico Group.

Contacts

Ingenico Group

Rachid Oulad Akdim

EMEA Managing Director of Ingenico Africa & Cuba & Pakistan

rachid.ouladakdim@ingenico.com

Tel.: + 33 6 21 18 30 95

Ingenico Group

Pierre Delaunay

EMEA Marketing Director

pierre.delaunay@ingenico.com

Tel.: +33 1 58 01 87 31

About Ingenico Group

Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346 - ING) (http://www.ingenico.com) is the global leader in seamless payment, providing smart, trusted and secure solutions to empower commerce across all channels, in-store, online and mobile. With the world's largest payment acceptance network, we deliver secure payment solutions with a local, national and international scope. We are the trusted world-class partner for financial institutions and retailers, from small merchants to several of the world's best known global brands. Our solutions enable merchants to simplify payment and deliver their brand promise. Learn more at http://www.ingenico.com https://twitter.com/ingenico

The victim, a medical student, was not a Somali Red Crescent staff member. Of the seven people injured, two are Red Crescent nurses, the five others – including one woman who sustained severe injuries – patients' relatives. All are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

According to the Somali Red Crescent, the explosion took place in the area where hospital staff park their cars. "The bomb exploded in a car belonging to one of our staff," said Somali Red Crescent Vice-President Yusuf Hassan Mohamed. "It exploded when the engine was switched on by one of his friends, who was killed on the spot."

"We do not know the motives behind this incident or whether the target was an individual or the hospital itself," said Patrick Vial, head of the ICRC delegation in Somalia. The Somali Red Crescent and the ICRC are calling with renewed urgency for health-care facilities and personnel, and their patients, to be treated with special restraint. People providing or receiving health care should be protected at all times and not be the object of attacks.

Keysaney Hospital, a 65-bed emergency facility in Mogadishu, has provided surgical and other medical care for more than 20 years, treating an average of 3,000 patients each year. It admits all persons in need of treatment, regardless of their origin, clan affiliation or political views. This is the first time the hospital, where the red crescent emblem is prominently displayed, has been hit directly except by random shelling during the conflict.

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today travelled to Burkina Faso for his first visit as part of a trade mission to Africa—his third since being appointed trade minister—to strengthen Canada's economic ties with the continent.

Minister Fast will be in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from June 18 to 19; in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from June 20 to 21; in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, from June 22 to 25; and in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from June 25 to 27, 2014.

Joining the trade mission to South Africa and Tanzania are 26 delegates from 19 organizations. The mission will focus on the extractives (mining, oil and gas) and energy (power, renewables) sectors.

Minister Fast also welcomed the recent formation of the Canada Africa Power Alliance (CAPA). CAPA will be represented at the Africa Energy Summit in Istanbul this week. CAPA aims to help African countries meet their growing power needs while increasing the presence of Canadian companies in the African power sector.

Quick Facts

• Burkina Faso, Madagascar, South Africa and Tanzania are all priority markets under Canada's Global Markets Action Plan.

• Canada is the largest foreign investor in Burkina Faso and recently concluded the Canada-Burkina Faso Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA).Canada concluded, signed or brought into force FIPAs with 10 countries in 2013—a record for a single year. Seven of these were with African countries: Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia.

• In Africa, Canada has FIPAs in force with Benin, Egypt and Tanzania and is currently engaged in FIPA negotiations with Ghana, Kenya and Tunisia. Canada currently has 27 FIPAs in force around the world.

• South Africa is Canada's largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with two-way merchandise trade totalling $1.2 billion in 2013. Also in 2013, Canada's merchandise exports to Burkina Faso were worth $50.7 million; to Madagascar, $22 million; to South Africa, $468 million; and to Tanzania, $76.1 million.

• Minister Fast previously led trade missions in Africa to Libya, Nigeria and Ghana.

Quotes

“Strengthening trade and investment ties and opening new markets to boost our exports in Africa and around the world are part of our government's ambitious pro-trade plan to create jobs and opportunities for hardworking Canadians as well as businesses. Through sector-focused trade missions and with the support of our Trade Commissioner Service, Export Development Canada and the Canadian Commercial Corporation, we are helping Canadian companies, especially SMEs, explore new opportunities, diversify their markets and compete and win on the global stage.”

- Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/sandisk-1.png

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1177 (Sreedhar Sreekumar, SanDisk Regional Sales Manager – Mediterranean, Middle East & Africa)

“DISTREE Africa will create a platform in the African IT channel for unrivalled opportunity and we are excited to be part of it,” said Sreedhar Sreekumar, regional sales manager, Middle East & Africa. “Africa represents a priority market for SanDisk, with strong growth potential. We will showcase our solid lineup of high-quality products and are confident that we will continue our success in this market. We want to capitalize on opportunities and we are executing strategies to boost growth, explore new channels, and provide products that offer a real benefit to African customers.”

SanDisk will also use DISTREE as a platform to highlight its ‘Buy Only Original' campaign, which started a year ago to encourage the purchase of authentic SanDisk products.

“With 400 participants from 25 countries taking part in DISTREE Africa it is important for us to engage these partners. We made positive strides in 2013 in establishing the brand in key countries across the continent and will now focus on growing our presence further,” continued Sreekumar.

DISTREE Africa will be held at Kenya's Safari Park Hotel from 19-21 June.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of SanDisk Corporation.

Media Contact:

Kim Narrandes

The Content Factory

+971 (4) 447 2501

kim@tcf-me.com

About SanDisk

SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) (http://www.sandisk.com) is a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, from research and development, product design and manufacturing to branding and distribution for OEM and retail channels. Since 1988, SanDisk's innovations in flash memory and storage system technologies have provided customers with new and transformational digital experiences. SanDisk's diverse product portfolio includes flash memory cards and embedded solutions used in smart phones, tablets, digital cameras, camcorders, digital media players and other consumer electronic devices, as well as USB flash drives and solid-state drives (SSD) for the computing market. SanDisk's products are used by consumers and enterprise customers around the world.

SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sandisk.com.

© 2012 SanDisk Corporation. All rights reserved. SanDisk and the SanDisk logo are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including expectations for the market for products incorporating Diskeeper's caching software solutions and our SSD products, the expected benefits and competitive advantages of the new products, and the expected impact on SanDisk's SSD solutions, that are based on our current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: the market demand for our SSD products, including products incorporating Diskeeper's solutions, may grow more slowly than our expectations or competitive products may have better features, may be easier to operate or may be available at a lower cost, which could enable these products to achieve better customer acceptance than our products, including those incorporating Diskeeper's solutions, our products and those incorporating Diskeeper's solutions may not perform as expected, and the other risks detailed from time-to-time in under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K. We do not intend to update the information contained in this press release.

The IMF financial assistance is in support of a set of economic and structural policies and measures the authorities plan to implement in order to restore macroeconomic stability, provide a favorable environment in support of inclusive growth and poverty reduction, and to strengthen the capacity of the Malagasy government. The Executive Board's approval of the RCF disbursement will also enable the authorities to engage in discussions with development partners' regarding further assistance. The Board's approval enables the immediate disbursement of the full amount, which is equivalent to 25 percent of Madagascar's quota in the IMF.

After several years of reasonably strong economic growth, output contracted in 2009 and remained weak over several years, given a high level of political and economic uncertainty that impacted investment decisions. Over this period, Madagascar also experienced dwindling financial support from development partners and enduring fiscal deficits that became progressively more difficult to finance. Supported by large mining projects that are reaching commercial production, recovering rice production, and a less uncertain political environment, growth is projected to increase to 3 percent in 2014.

The RCF provides immediate financial assistance with limited conditionality to low-income countries with an urgent balance of payments need. In this context, the economic policies of a member receiving RCF financing are expected to address the underlying balance of payments difficulties and support policy objectives including macroeconomic stability and poverty reduction. Financing under the RCF carries zero interest (until end 2014), has a grace period of 5.5 years, and a final maturity of 10 years. The Fund reviews the level of interest rates for all concessional facilities every two years.

Following the Executive Board discussion on Madagascar, Mr. Min Zhu, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said:

“Madagascar's re-engagement with the Fund marks the end of a difficult period of economic disruption in which economic activity slowed, investment stagnated and social and governance indicators weakened. Last year's elections, and subsequent widespread recognition of the new government by the international community, are helping to set the stage for a revival of the economy, but large balance of payments and fiscal gaps need to be filled in order not to jeopardize the economic recovery and to begin to address social needs.

“With support under the Fund's Rapid Credit Facility, the government intends to implement macroeconomic policies and structural reforms to correct macroeconomic imbalances, shore up growth and begin tackling high rates of poverty. Key challenges for fiscal policy in 2014 include easing disorderly spending compression, increasing outlays on infrastructure and essential government services, and developing a multi-year strategy to clear domestic budgetary arrears. Steps to boost fiscal revenues through improved tax and customs revenue administration and a broadened tax base, phased elimination of general fuel subsidies, and elimination of low-priority expenditures are key to creating room for more productive infrastructure and better targeted social spending. Exchange rate flexibility will be an important element in safeguarding and facilitating a steady rebuilding of foreign exchange reserves.

“Revitalizing structural reforms is a priority for fostering sustained growth and lasting reductions in poverty, with key areas being: public financial management, domestic revenue mobilization, and enhancing financial inclusion and deepening. Governance improvements will require building stronger institutions, enabling a level playing field for the private sector, creating incentives that reinforce proper conduct, and providing adequate resources for the control and audit of public entities.

“The Fund will continue to play a key role in facilitating international efforts in the provision of financial and technical assistance to support the government's reform strategy.”

“Over recent weeks, staff of the IMF and of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Mali have held discussions on the recent purchase of an aircraft, a contract for the supply of goods other than arms and munitions entered into by the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and the issuance of a government guarantee for the amount related to the latter and other contracts.

“The purpose of the discussions was to ensure that public finance management in Mali is being conducted in a manner consistent with the quantitative targets and commitments to good governance of public finances undertaken by the government of Mali in the context of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement approved by the IMF Board on December 18, 2013 (See Press Release No. 13/524).

“Staff of the IMF and of the Ministry have discussed about certain public financial management weaknesses and identified concrete measures to address them. The measures include an audit of the above mentioned transactions by the Auditor General's Office and the drafting of guidelines specifying the conditions for implementation of certain budget and procurement rules. The government of Mali has undertaken to implement these measures prior to the next IMF mission to Bamako scheduled to take place in September 2014. Discussions regarding the conclusion of the first review under the ECF arrangement will continue at that point, taking into account the results of the implementation of the above measures.

“Concluding the discussions on the first program review and reaching an agreement on a program of economic and financial policies for 2015 should facilitate a joint examination of the first and second reviews under the ECF Arrangement by the IMF Board before the end of this year.”

President Nkurunziza assured the Commissioner that Burundi is peaceful and his Government will do everything it can to preserve the spirit and achievements of the Arusha Agreement. He further stated that he is the President of all Burundians, including all Youth, and will not allow any individual or group to intimidate the population or the state.

Commissioner Chergui thanked President Nkurunziza and noted that Burundi has made significant progress since the signing of the Arusha Agreement which ended Burundi's civil war more than a decade ago. He underlined the necessity for all Burundians to continue striving together to preserve peace, unity and national cohesion, and assured them of the AU's full support as they prepare for elections in 2015, including the scheduled deployment to Burundi of an AU Elections Observation Mission.

The Commissioner seized the opportunity to reiterate the AU's appreciation to the Government and People of Burundi for the brilliant performance of Burundian peacekeepers in Somalia and the Central African Republic (CAR). “Africa owes Burundi and other AMISOM and MISCA Troop and Police Contributing Countries a big debt of gratitude for positively responding to the Pan-African solidarity call to help our Brothers and Sisters in distress in Somalia and the CAR,” he stated.

Upon his return to Addis Ababa, the Commissioner informally briefed the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) on his visit to Burundi, during the Council's 442nd meeting on 17 June 2014.

Council,

1. Takes note of the final report of the AU High-Level Panel for Egypt [PSC/PR/3.(CDXLII)], established by the Chairperson of the Commission on 8 July 2013, on the implementation of its mandate, as well as of the presentation made by the Commissioner for Peace and Security;

2. Recalls communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.(CCCLXXXIV), adopted at its 384th meeting held on 5 July 2013, and press statements PSC/MIN/BR.2(CCCLXXXVII), PSC/PR/BR.2(CCCLXXXIX), PSC/PR/BR.(CCCXC) and PSC/PR/BR.(CCCXCV) adopted at its 387th, 389th, 390th and 395th meetings held on 29 July, 14 August, 16 August and 13 September 2013, respectively, as well as communiqué PSC/AHG/COMM.3(CDXVI) adopted at its 416th meeting held on 29 January 2014 and press statement PSC/PR/BR.(CDXXIX) adopted at its 429th meeting held on 16 April 2014. In this regard, Council reaffirms the correctness of its decision characterizing the events of 3 July 2013 in Egypt as falling under the definition of unconstitutional changes of Government as stipulated in the relevant AU instruments;

3. Recalls the provisions contained in Article 7 (2, 3 & 4) of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council and the obligation of all AU Member States to comply with the decisions taken by Council in the discharge of its mandate;

4. Commends the members of the High-Level Panel, namely former Presidents Alpha Oumar Konaré of Mali and Festus Mogae of Botswana, as well as former Prime Minister Dileita Mohamed Dileita of Djibouti, for the commitment and dedication with which they discharged the mandate entrusted upon them;

5. Expresses its appreciation to the Egyptian stakeholders, as well as to the concerned African and international actors, for the cooperation extended to the High-Level Panel in the discharge of its mandate;

6. Notes the steps taken in the implementation of the Roadmap announced by the Egyptian interim authorities on 3 July 2013, including the holding of presidential elections on 25, 26 and 27 May 2014, as well as the preliminary statement issued by the AU Elections Observer Mission;

7. Welcomes the observations made by the Panel, as contained in paragraphs 63 to 82 of its report, and endorses its recommendations, as outlined in paragraphs 83 of the report, in particular with respect to:

(i) the lifting of Egypt's suspension, considering (a) the progress made in the formal restoration of constitutional order, (b) the fact that the suspension of the country for close to a year has sent a strong message to the Egyptian stakeholders regarding AU's attachment to its principles and instruments, and (c) the need for the AU to remain engaged with Egypt and to accompany the efforts of the Egyptian authorities for the full implementation of the Roadmap,

(ii) the need to promote national reconciliation and a political process that is representative of all sections of the Egyptian society, so long as they are committed to a peaceful political dialogue and to broaden the political space,

(iii) the creation of conditions conducive to the holding of transparent, credible and inclusive parliamentary elections, as well as the signing and ratification by Egypt of all AU relevant instruments, notably the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the implementation of the provisions contained therein,

(iv) respect for human rights, including the early trial, with due process, of all detainees and the release of those against whom there are no charges,

(v) the elaboration of guidelines to determine the compatibility of popular uprisings with AU's norms on unconstitutional changes of Government,

(vi) engagement with partners, for them to extend consistent support to AU's efforts towards the implementation of AU's norms on unconstitutional changes of Governments and the promotion of democracy, human rights and good governance, in line with the strategic partnerships between the concerned international actors and the AU,

(vii) continued engagement of the AU with the Egyptian authorities and other stakeholders, to effectively contribute to the follow-up and implementation of the recommendations made by the Panel, and the submission of regular reports to Council by the Commission, and

(viii) the imperative for all Member States to fully accept and comply with the decisions of Council, in line with the relevant provisions of the AU Constitutive Act and those of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council;

8. Decides to lift the suspension of the participation of Egypt in AU's activities, as contained in paragraph 6 of communique PSC/PR/COMM.(CCCLXXXIV), and invites Egypt to immediately resume its participation in the activities of the AU, on the understanding that this does not constitute a precedent in terms of adherence to the relevant provisions of Decision Assembly/AHG/Dec.269.(XIV) Rev.1 on the prevention of unconstitutional changes of Government and strengthening the capacity of the AU to manage such situations adopted by the 14th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, held in Addis Ababa, from 31 January to 2 February 2010, and article 25 (4) of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which stipulate that perpetrators of unconstitutional changes of Governments cannot participate in the elections held to restore constitutional order;

9. Further decides that the determination of what constitutes a popular uprising shall be further elaborated by Council at the level of Heads of States and Government, in line with press statement PSC/PR/BR.(CDXXXII) adopted at its 432nd meeting held on 29 April 2014;

10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.