A/RES/67/259 Political declaration on the peaceful resolution of conflicts in Africa 4. We emphasize the necessity to redouble efforts in order to peacefully resolve all outstanding conflicts and disputes on the African continent. 5. We welcome the role and positive contribution of the African Union in efforts to settle disputes and conflicts peacefully in Africa and express our support for the mediation and peacekeeping initiatives conducted by the African Union. We also recognize the contribution of subregional organizations. 6. We urge the international community, including the United Nations, to continue to effectively address the twin imperatives of security and development in Africa in a comprehensive manner in collaboration with the African Union, and further reaffirm that peace, security, development and human rights are inextricably linked. 7. We stress the obligation of States to settle their disputes by peaceful means in accordance with Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations. In this context, we urge all States to act in accordance with the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. 1 8. We call for the strengthening of the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes and in conflict management, prevention and resolution, and support the use of mediation by all relevant actors in accordance with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter. 9. We further reaffirm our support for preventive diplomacy in order to prevent or mitigate the spread of armed conflict, and reiterate the need to strengthen international and, in particular, African capacity for preventive diplomacy across the conflict spectrum and as part of broader, nationally driven strategies to promote peace. We welcome the contribution of the African Union to mediation efforts on the continent and call upon the United Nations and the rest of the international community to continue to support African mediation efforts through the provision of related technical support. 10. We recognize that the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter is indispensable and remains a solid foundation for sustained and coordinated efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of conflicts in Africa. We reaffirm the need to work with the African Union in assisting African countries emerging from conflict in their efforts to build national capacities. 11. We welcome the intensification of cooperation and mutual support between the United Nations and the African Union and call for closer and enhanced cooperation and coordination between the United Nations system and the African Union, in accordance with the cooperation agreement and other relevant memorandums of understanding between the two organizations. 12. We commend the efforts of the United Nations, the African Union and subregional organizations, together with other international partners, to provide effective support for peacekeeping missions undertaken by regional organizations in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter. 13. We pledge to support the full operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture, including the Panel of the Wise, the African Union _______________ 1 2/5 Resolution 2625 (XXV), annex.