A/RES/55/33 accumulation and proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which pose a threat to peace and security and reduce the prospects for economic development in many regions, particularly in post-conflict situations, Stressing that further efforts are needed in order to develop and effectively implement programmes of practical disarmament in affected areas, Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General prepared with the assistance of the Group of Governmental Experts on Small Arms, 25 and in particular the recommendations contained therein, as an important contribution to the consolidation of the peace process through practical disarmament measures, Taking into account the deliberations at the 2000 substantive session of the Disarmament Commission in Working Group II on agenda item 5, entitled “Practical confidence-building measures in the field of conventional arms”, 26 and encouraging the Disarmament Commission to continue its efforts aimed at the identification of such measures, 1. Stresses, in the context of the present resolution, the particular relevance of the “Guidelines on conventional arms control/limitation and disarmament, with particular emphasis on consolidation of peace in the context of General Assembly resolution 51/45 N”, 27 adopted by the Disarmament Commission by consensus at its 1999 substantive session; 2. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures, submitted pursuant to resolution 51/45 N, 28 and once again encourages Member States, as well as regional arrangements and agencies, to lend their support to the implementation of the recommendations contained therein; 3. Welcomes the activities undertaken by the group of interested States that was formed in New York in March 1998, and invites the group to continue to analyse lessons learned from previous disarmament and peace-building projects, as well as to promote new practical disarmament measures to consolidate peace, especially as undertaken or designed by affected States themselves; 4. Encourages Member States, including the group of interested States, to lend their support to the Secretary-General in responding to requests by Member States to collect and destroy small arms and light weapons in post-conflict situations; 25 A/54/258. See Official Records of the General Assembly, Fifty-fifth Session, Supplement No. 42 (A/55/42), para. 29. 27 Ibid., Fifty-fourth Session, Supplement No. 42 (A/54/42), annex III. 28 A/52/289. 26 12