A/RES/56/224 which taken together constitute the global frame of reference for consolidating peace, freedom, democracy and development and the basis for the promotion of mutually advantageous relations between Central America and the international community, Recognizing the considerable success achieved in the fulfilment of the commitments contained in the Guatemala peace agreements, implementation of which is being verified by the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala, Noting with concern the deterioration in the Central American economies, mainly due to an unfavourable international economic climate and its negative effects on the efforts of the peoples and Governments of the region to achieve sustainable economic development, Noting at the same time the delays in the fulfilment of some of the commitments contained in the Guatemala peace agreements, which have led the Commission to Follow up the Implementation of the peace agreements to reschedule its fulfilment for the period 2001–2004, and having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala and the recommendations contained therein 2 aimed at ensuring that the Mission is able to respond adequately to the demands of the peace process until December 2002, Taking note with satisfaction of the successful implementation of the peace agreements and the continuous consolidation of the process of democratization in El Salvador, as a result of the efforts of its people and Government, Recognizing with satisfaction the role played by the peacekeeping operations and observer and monitoring missions of the United Nations, which carried out successfully their mandate in Central America pursuant to the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, respectively, Recognizing with satisfaction also the organization and holding of general elections in 2001, in Nicaragua on 4 November and in Honduras on 25 November, Emphasizing the importance of the end of a critical period in Central American history and the start of a new phase free from armed conflict, with freely elected Governments in each country and with political, economic, social and other changes which are creating a climate conducive to the promotion of economic growth and further progress towards the consolidation and further development of democratic, just and equitable societies, Noting that the Third Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction 3 was held in Nicaragua in September 2001, Reaffirming that the consolidation and establishment of firm and lasting peace and democracy in Central America is a dynamic and ongoing process that faces serious structural challenges, Stressing the importance of progress in human development, especially the alleviation of extreme poverty, the promotion of economic and social justice, judicial reform, the promotion and safeguarding of human rights and fundamental _______________ 2 3 2 A/56/391. See CD/1478.