United Nations General Assembly A/RES/56/43 Distr.: General 18 January 2002 Fifty-sixth session Agenda item 21 (c) Resolution adopted by the General Assembly [without reference to a Main Committee (A/56/L.31 and Add.1)] 56/43. Cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe The General Assembly, Recalling the Agreement between the Council of Europe and the Secretariat of the United Nations signed on 15 December 1951 and the Arrangement on Cooperation and Liaison between the secretariats of the United Nations and the Council of Europe of 19 November 1971, Acknowledging the contribution of the Council of Europe to the protection and strengthening of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on the European continent, including its activities against racism and intolerance, the promotion of gender equality, social development and a common cultural heritage, Acknowledging also that, with its significant expertise in the field of human rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law, the Council of Europe is contributing to conflict prevention, confidence-building and long-term post-conflict peace-building through political, legal and institutional reform, Stressing the importance of adherence to the standards and principles of the Council of Europe and its contribution to the solution of conflicts throughout the whole of Europe, Acknowledging the contribution of the Council of Europe to the development of international law, inter alia, international criminal law, Noting the increasing openness of the Council of Europe, through its legal instruments, to the participation of States of other regions, 1. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General; 1 2. Notes with appreciation the further improvement of cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and its agencies and the Council of Europe, both at the level of headquarters and in the field; _______________ 1 01 48340 A/56/302.