A/RES/53/77 Page 21 Welcoming the addition of new States signatories to the Convention since its opening for signature, the rapid ratification by many signatories and the early achievement of the fortieth ratification of the Convention on 16 September 1998, which, according to the provisions of article 17 of the Convention, will result in the entry into force of the Convention on 1 March 1999, Emphasizing the desirability of attracting the adherence of all States to the Convention, and determined to work strenuously towards the promotion of its universalization, 1. Invites all States that have not yet done so to sign or, after entry into force, to accede to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction;40 2. Urges all States that have not yet done so to ratify the Convention without delay subsequent to their signature; 3. Renews its call upon all States to contribute towards the full realization and effective implementation of the Convention to advance the care and rehabilitation, and the social and economic reintegration of mine victims, and mine awareness programmes, and the removal of anti-personnel mines placed throughout the world and the assurance of their destruction; 4. Welcomes the generous offer by the Government of Mozambique to act as host for the First Meeting of the States Parties; 5. Requests the Secretary-General, in accordance with article 11, paragraph 2, of the Convention, to undertake the preparations necessary to convene the First Meeting of the States Parties, to take place in Maputo during the week of 3 May 1999; 6. Invites all States parties to the First Meeting of the States Parties and, in accordance with article 11, paragraph 4, of the Convention, States not parties to the Convention, as well as the United Nations, other relevant international organizations or institutions, regional organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and relevant non-governmental organizations to attend the Meeting as observers in accordance with the agreed rules of procedure. 79th plenary meeting 4 December 1998 O REGIONAL DISARMAMENT The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 45/58 P of 4 December 1990, 46/36 I of 6 December 1991, 47/52 J of 9 December 1992, 48/75 I of 16 December 1993, 49/75 N of 15 December 1994, 50/70 K of 12 December 1995, 51/45 K of 10 December 1996 and 52/38 P of 9 December 1997 on regional disarmament, /...