A/RES/53/94 Page 3 people of the region, issues which have been a primary source of tension and conflict and which deserve to be discussed with the same urgency and dedication as was the case in the settlement of the armed conflicts, Emphasizing the decision of the Presidents of the Central American countries to continue to do their utmost to expedite, gradually and progressively, the Central American Union referred to in the Declaration of Nicaragua of 2 September 1997, in accordance with the aspirations of the peoples of the region, Recognizing the destructive effects of hurricane Mitch through the Central American region, which have resulted in a bleak panorama owing to the great loss of human lives and material damage, Deeply concerned lest the devastating effects of this natural disaster bring about a significant setback as regards the efforts of the Central American peoples and the international community to overcome the aftermath of the armed conflicts and as regards the progress achieved with respect to political stability, democratization and sustainable development, which constitutes an emergency situation that will call for extraordinary measures, both on the part of the Governments of the region and on the part of the international community, in order to meet the priority needs of the affected populations and to promote as soon as possible rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in the region, 1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General;3 2. Commends the efforts of the peoples and the Governments of the Central American countries to re-establish peace and democracy throughout the region and promote sustainable development by implementing the commitments adopted at the summit meetings, and supports the decision of the presidents that Central America should become a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development; 3. Recognizes the need to continue to follow closely the situation in Central America in order to support national and regional efforts to overcome the underlying causes that have led to armed conflicts, avoid setbacks and consolidate peace and democratization in the area, and promote the objectives of the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America;2 4. Emphasizes the importance of the global frame of reference and the establishment of national and regional development priorities as the basis for promoting the effective, consistent and sustainable progress of the Central American peoples, and for providing international cooperation in accordance with the new circumstances in and outside the region; 5. Welcomes the progress achieved in implementing the Guatemala Peace Agreements, and urges all sectors of society to combine efforts and work with courage and determination to consolidate peace; 6. Also welcomes the efforts made by the people and the Government of El Salvador to fulfil the commitments set forth in the peace accords, thus contributing substantially to the strengthening of the democratization process in the country; 7. Requests the Secretary-General, the bodies and programmes of the United Nations system, and the international community to continue to support and verify in Guatemala the implementation of all the 3 A/53/315. /...