A/RES/53/89 Page 2 Aware that development is difficult under occupation and best promoted in circumstances of peace and stability, Noting, in the light of recent developments in the peace process, the great economic and social challenges facing the Palestinian people and their leadership, Conscious of the urgent necessity for international assistance to the Palestinian people, taking into account the Palestinian priorities, Noting the convening of the United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People, entitled “Facing the challenges of the year 2000: promoting Palestinian national development”,3 held at Cairo on 27 and 28 April 1998, Stressing the need for the full engagement of the United Nations in the process of building Palestinian institutions and in providing broad assistance to the Palestinian people, including assistance in the fields of elections, police training and public administration, Noting the appointment by the Secretary-General in June 1994 of the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories, Welcoming the results of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace, convened in Washington, D.C., on 1 October 1993, and the establishment of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee and the work being done by the World Bank as its secretariat, as well as the establishment of the consultative group, Welcoming also the establishment by the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee of the Joint Liaison Committee, which provides a forum in which economic policy and practical matters related to donor assistance are discussed with the Palestinian Authority, Welcoming further the fifth meeting of the consultative group in Paris on 14 and 15 December 1997, in particular the pledges of the international donor community and the presentation of the first Palestinian Development Plan for the years 1998–2000, Welcoming the results of the Ministerial Conference to Support Middle East Peace and Development, held in Washington, D.C., on 30 November 1998, and expressing appreciation for the pledges of the international donor community, Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,4 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;4 2. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his rapid response and efforts regarding assistance to the Palestinian people; 3 A/53/152–E/1998/71, annex. 4 A/53/153–E/1998/75. /...