A/RES/56/96 peace, democracy, justice, equality, the rule of law, pluralism, development, better standards of living and solidarity, Expressing its deep appreciation to the Government of Benin for the generous manner in which it hosted and provided facilities for the Fourth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, Bearing in mind that the activities of the United Nations carried out in support of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate democracy are undertaken in accordance with the Charter and only at the specific request of the Member States concerned, Taking note with satisfaction of the seminars, workshops and conferences on democratization and good governance convened in 2001, as well as those held under the auspices of the International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, Taking note of the views expressed by Member States in the debate on this question at its forty-ninth to fifty-sixth sessions, Bearing in mind that democracy, development and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing and that democracy is based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and on their full participation in all aspects of their lives, Noting that a considerable number of societies have recently undertaken significant efforts to achieve their social, political and economic goals through democratization and the reform of their economies, pursuits that are deserving of the support and recognition of the international community, Expressing its deep appreciation for the support provided by Member States, the United Nations system, including the specialized agencies, and other intergovernmental organizations to the Government of Benin for the holding of the Fourth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, Having considered the report of the Secretary-General, 4 and its focus on the Cotonou Declaration, and the final report adopted by the Fourth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies in Cotonou on 6 December 2000, 5 1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General; 4 2. Encourages Member States to promote democratization and to make additional efforts to identify possible steps to support the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies; 3. Welcomes the work carried out by the intergovernmental follow-up mechanism to the Fourth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies; 4. Invites Member States, the relevant specialized agencies and bodies of the United Nations system, and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to continue to contribute actively to the follow-up to the Fourth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies; _______________ 4 5 2 A/56/499. See A/55/889, annex.