A/RES/58/239 advancement towards the further development of democratic, just and equitable societies, Emphasizing, in this context, the importance of the progress made in connection with the Central American Integration System, the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America, the establishment of the regional social policy contained in the Treaty on Central American Social Integration and the Framework Treaty on Democratic Security in Central America, and in other areas, Noting with satisfaction the progress made in the region in the search for peaceful solutions to existing territorial and border disputes, in accordance with the principles of public international law and the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, Recognizing that the slow development of the economies of the area has been aggravated in the past two years by an unfavourable international economic climate, which has had an adverse effect on the efforts of the peoples and Governments of the region to promote sustainable economic development in an efficient manner, Recognizing with satisfaction the progress made by the Central American region in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the obligation of States to continue guaranteeing their effective enjoyment, Recognizing the efforts of the region to enhance public safety by taking steps to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, by arms limitation and control, and by combating transnational organized crime and terrorism, Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in 1. Central America; 1 2. Commends the efforts of the peoples and Governments of the Central American countries to consolidate peace and democracy and promote sustainable development by implementing the commitments adopted at the meetings and summit meetings held in the region; Recognizes the progress made towards the implementation of the peace 3. agreements in the region, and in that context reiterates its special appreciation and congratulations to the people and Government of El Salvador for the successful fulfilment of the commitments set forth in those agreements, and expresses its profound thanks to the Secretary-General for accompanying that process and for the commendable way in which he has carried out his verification work, which is considered to be completed; Urges the Government of Guatemala to give renewed impetus to the 4. fulfilment of the commitments contained in the peace agreements, in the context of reprogramming for the period 2001-2004, and to the understanding reached during the fifth meeting of the Consultative Group for Guatemala, organized by the InterAmerican Development Bank and held in Guatemala City on 13 and 14 May 2003; Urges the Governments of the region to continue to guarantee free, fair 5. and transparent elections with a view to consolidating democracy in Central America; Commends the efforts and actions undertaken in the region to combat the 6. scourge of corruption, urges all the States of the area to continue their actions with a _______________ 1 2 A/58/270.