A/RES/58/61 Concerned that the continued financial difficulties faced by the Centre have impaired its ability to realize its full potential and to fulfil its mandate adequately, Bearing in mind the efforts undertaken in the framework of the revitalization of the activities of the Regional Centre for the mobilization of the resources necessary for its operational costs, Taking into account the need to establish close cooperation between the Regional Centre and the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution of the African Union, in conformity with the decision adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity at its thirty-fifth ordinary session, held at Algiers from 12 to 14 July 1999, 3 Welcoming the adoption by consensus of the report of the United Nations First Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, held in New York from 7 to 11 July 2003, 4 1. Commends the activities which the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa is continuing to carry out, in particular in support of the efforts made by the African States in the areas of peace and security; Reaffirms its strong support for the revitalization of the Regional Centre, 2. and emphasizes the need to provide it with the necessary resources to enable it to strengthen its activities and carry out its programmes; Appeals once again to all States, as well as to international governmental 3. and non-governmental organizations and foundations, to make voluntary contributions in order to strengthen the programmes and activities of the Regional Centre and facilitate their implementation; Requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide the necessary 4. support to the Regional Centre for better achievements and results; 5. Also requests the Secretary-General to facilitate close cooperation between the Regional Centre and the African Union, in particular in the area of peace, security and development, and to continue to assist the Director of the Regional Centre in his efforts to stabilize the financial situation of the Centre and revitalize its activities; Appeals in particular to the Regional Centre, in cooperation with the 6. African Union, regional and subregional organizations and the African States, to take steps to promote the consistent implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects; 5 7. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session on the implementation of the present resolution; _______________ 3 A/54/424, annex II, decision AHG/Dec.138 (XXXV). On 8 July 2002, the Organization of African Unity ceased to exist and, in its place, the African Union came into force on 9 July 2002. 4 A/CONF.192/BMS/2003/1. 5 See Report of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, New York, 9-20 July 2001 (A/CONF.192/15), chap. IV, para. 24. 2