A/RES/51/70 Page 2 Mindful that effective implementation of the recommendations contained in the Programme of Action adopted by the Conference1 should be facilitated and can be ensured only through cooperation and coordinated activities undertaken in this respect by all interested States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and other actors, Welcoming the spirit of international solidarity and cooperation that made the preparatory process of the Conference and the Conference itself a success, Reaffirming the importance of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees2 and its 1967 Protocol,3 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;4 2. Expresses its gratitude to the Government of Switzerland and other host States that made it possible to convene the Regional Conference to Address the Problems of Refugees, Displaced Persons, Other Forms of Involuntary Displacement and Returnees in the Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and Relevant Neighbouring States and a series of preparatory meetings, as well as to those States that made voluntary contributions for this purpose; 3. Welcomes the Programme of Action adopted by the Conference on 31 May 1996;1 4. Also welcomes the innovative approach and close cooperation of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in initiating and supporting a multilateral constructive dialogue among a wide range of countries concerned that has brought agreement on guidelines for practical action; 5. Expresses its satisfaction with the work of the Conference, which laid down a solid foundation for further action by countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and States concerned and relevant international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations; 6. Underlines the urgent need to address the problems of those displaced, implement measures to prevent situations leading to further involuntary population displacement and effectively manage other types of migratory flows in the region; 1 A/51/341, appendix. 2 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, No. 2545. 3 Ibid., vol. 606, No. 8791. 4 A/51/341. /...