A/RES/70/78 United Nations Distr.: General 17 December 2015 General Assembly Seventieth session Agenda item 9 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 9 December 2015 [without reference to a Main Committee (A/70/L.16)] 70/78. Extension of the preparatory period preceding the graduation of the Republic of Vanuatu from the least developed country category The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 59/209 of 20 December 2004, 67/221 of 21 December 2012 and 68/18 of 4 December 2013, Reaffirming its commitment to the process of graduation from least developed country status and to encouraging smooth transition measures for graduating countries, Giving due consideration to the unprecedented human and material losses which Vanuatu suffered as a result of Cyclone Pam on 13 and 14 March 2015, and to the serious disruption this natural disaster caused to the economic and social progress Vanuatu had for several years been demonstrating, Inviting the international community to continue to generously support the rehabilitation and disaster preparedness efforts undertaken by the Government of Vanuatu in this context, 1. Expresses its deep concern at the severe consequences for Vanuatu of Cyclone Pam on 13 and 14 March 2015; 2. Decides to extend by an additional period of three years, until 4 December 2020, the preparatory period that Vanuatu is currently benefiting from, before graduation from the least developed country category occurs; 3. Underlines the exceptional nature of this decision, taken in the context of the unique disruption caused to the economic and social progress of Vanuatu by Cyclone Pam. 70th plenary meeting 9 December 2015 15-16832 (E) *1516832* Please recycle

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