A/RES/53/35 Page 3 succession of the former Yugoslavia, in order to contribute to the achievement of lasting peace and stability in the area, Welcoming the signing of the agreement on the establishment of an Inter-State Council for Cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of Special Relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina,2 Also welcoming the signing of the Agreement on Free Transit through the Territory of the Republic of Croatia to and from the Port of Ploce and through the Territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum,3 and emphasizing its importance with respect to the economic benefit to the two countries and the comprehensive bilateral relationship between them, Further welcoming the signing of the Protocol on the Introduction of Traffic in Internal Navigable Waterways on the Sava River and its Tributaries between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and annex 2 of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Joint Reconstruction of Traffic Links between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stressing the importance of full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for the success of the peace efforts for the region, and calling upon the Governments and the authorities in the region, as well as relevant international organizations, to facilitate such full respect, Noting that democratization in the region will enhance the prospects for a lasting peace and help to guarantee full respect for human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region, Welcoming the successful holding of general elections throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina under the supervision of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on 12 and 13 September 1998, and looking forward to the rapid implementation of the election results, Noting the positive impact of the four previous pledging conferences, held on 21 December 1995, 13 and 14 April 1996, 25 July 1997 and 8 and 9 May 1998 and chaired by the World Bank and the European Union, on the peace process and reintegration of the country as well as the reconstruction effort, stressing the importance and urgency of providing the pledged financial assistance and technical cooperation for reconstruction efforts, and stressing the role of economic revitalization in the process of reconciliation, in the improvement of living conditions and in the maintenance of a durable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region, Stressing that the provision of reconstruction aid and financial assistance is conditional upon the parties meeting their obligations under the Peace Agreement, 2 See A/53/702–S/1998/1118, annex I; see Official Records of the Security Council, Fifty-third Year, Supplement for October, November and December 1998, document S/1998/1118. 3 Ibid., annex II. /...