A/RES/57/298 23. Appreciates the cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in bringing forward a peaceful solution of the conflict in Abkhazia, in particular the active participation of the representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in the negotiations led by the United Nations, but regrets that no substantial progress has been noted in overcoming the precarious stalemate that remains on the core issue of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, the future status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia, and welcomes the readiness of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to further its projects in Abkhazia in the human dimension; 24. Commends the work of the border monitoring operation of the Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to Georgia along the border between Georgia and the Chechen and Ingushet Republics of the Russian Federation as a significant contribution to stability and confidence in the region; 25. Notes with satisfaction the increased efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to promote cooperation with the five participating States of Central Asia, as well as regional cooperation among these States, in all dimensions of security, in particular in the fight against terrorism, as well as in the sphere of economic and environmental issues, encourages continued close cooperation between the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations and other international actors in this region, and welcomes the efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to promote implementation of the Programme of Action adopted at the Bishkek International Conference on enhancing security and stability in Central Asia, held under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention of the Secretariat, including the holding of a regional expert meeting on combating trafficking in small arms and light weapons in Central Asia, as well as the readiness of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to assist in addressing specific issues related to the process of democratic reform, institution building and the reform of the law enforcement agencies in the five participating States in Central Asia; 26. Fully supports the activities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict in and around the Nagorny-Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and welcomes cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in this regard; 27. Remains deeply concerned at the failure to achieve a settlement of the Nagorny-Karabakh conflict despite the intensified dialogue between the parties and the active support of the Co-Chairmen of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, reaffirms that the prompt resolution of that protracted conflict will contribute to lasting peace, security, stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus region, reiterates the importance of continuing the peace dialogue, calls upon the sides to continue their efforts to achieve an early resolution of the conflict based on norms and principles of international law, encourages the parties to explore further measures that would enhance mutual confidence and trust, welcomes the commitment of the parties to the ceasefire and to achieving a peaceful and comprehensive settlement, also welcomes in particular the continued meetings of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan and of their special representatives, and encourages the parties to continue their efforts, with the active support of the Co-Chairmen, aimed at reaching a just and enduring settlement; 6