United Nations A/RES/59/26* General Assembly Distr.: General 3 May 2005 Fifty-ninth session Agenda item 158 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 22 November 2004 [without reference to a Main Committee (A/59/L.28/Rev.2)] * 59/26. Commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War The General Assembly, Recalling that 2005 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the war which brought untold sorrow to mankind, Stressing that this historic event established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations, designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, Calling upon the States Members of the United Nations to unite their efforts in dealing with new challenges and threats, with the United Nations playing a central role, and to make every effort to settle all disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and in such a manner that international peace and security are not endangered, Underlining the progress made since the end of the Second World War in overcoming its legacy and towards establishing reconciliation, international and regional cooperation and the promotion of democratic values, human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular through the United Nations, and the establishment of regional organizations and other appropriate frameworks, Declares 8–9 May as a time of remembrance and reconciliation and, 1. while recognizing that Member States may have individual days of victory, liberation and commemoration, invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe annually either one or both of these days in an appropriate manner to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War; Requests the President of the General Assembly to hold a special solemn 2. meeting of the General Assembly in the second week of May 2005 in commemoration of all victims of the war; _______________ * Reissued for technical reasons. 04-47776*

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