A/RES/51/41 Page 2 party, to agree to place their nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards and to declare their support for the establishment of the zone and to deposit such declarations with the Security Council for consideration, as appropriate, Reaffirming the inalienable right of all States to acquire and develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, Emphasizing the need for appropriate measures on the question of the prohibition of military attacks on nuclear facilities, Bearing in mind the consensus reached by the General Assembly since its thirty-fifth session that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East would greatly enhance international peace and security, Desirous of building on that consensus so that substantial progress can be made towards establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, Welcoming all initiatives leading to general and complete disarmament, including in the region of the Middle East, and in particular on the establishment therein of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, Noting the peace negotiations in the Middle East, which should be of a comprehensive nature and represent an appropriate framework for the peaceful settlement of contentious issues in the region, Recognizing the importance of credible regional security, including the establishment of a mutually verifiable nuclear-weapon-free zone, Emphasizing the essential role of the United Nations in the establishment of a mutually verifiable nuclear-weapon-free zone, Having examined the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 50/66,2 1. Urges all parties directly concerned to consider seriously taking the practical and urgent steps required for the implementation of the proposal to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, and, as a means of promoting this objective, invites the countries concerned to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons;3 2. Calls upon all countries of the region that have not done so, pending the establishment of the zone, to agree to place all their nuclear activities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards; 3. Takes note of resolution GC(40)RES/22, adopted on 20 September 1996 by the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency at its fortieth regular session, concerning the application of Agency safeguards in the Middle East; 2 A/51/286 and Add.1. 3 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 729, No. 10485. /...