A/RES/57/160 successful implementation of the commitments, enabling the completion of the verification work entrusted to the Secretary-General, Noting with concern that the progress achieved in previous years in the fulfilment of the commitments contained in the Guatemala peace agreements has not maintained the same momentum during the period 2001–2002 and in some aspects has even been reversed, Recognizing the establishment of offices of human rights defenders throughout Central America and the progress achieved in the field of human rights, which is being supported by public education campaigns to highlight both the responsibilities of States in the field of human rights and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, Noting with concern the deterioration in the Central American economies, due, inter alia, to an unfavourable international economic climate and the fall in exports, as well as the adverse effects on the efforts of the peoples and Governments of the region to achieve sustainable economic development, and underlining the need for economic reforms, Noting with concern also that Central America is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and that some countries have not yet been able to overcome the devastating effects of hurricanes Mitch, Keith and Michelle, the earthquakes in El Salvador in January 2001 and the drought that afflicted the entire region in 2001, Noting that the natural disasters have proved the relevance of environmentally responsible economic and development policies and the need for the Central American nations to consider environmental aspects among all their development objectives, Bearing in mind the efforts made by the Central American Governments to reduce the risks and mitigate the consequences of the natural disasters in the region, including the adoption of the Strategic Framework for the Reduction of Vulnerability and Disasters in Central America and the Central American Five-Year Plan for the Reduction of Vulnerability to and the Impact of Disasters, 2000 to 2004, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Central America; 1 2. Commends the efforts of the peoples and the Governments of the Central American countries to consolidate peace and democracy and promote sustainable development by implementing the commitments adopted at the summit meetings in the region; 3. Takes note with satisfaction of the firm determination shown by the Central American Governments to resolve their differences peacefully, thereby avoiding any setback in efforts to consolidate peace, further the process of Central American integration and guarantee the sustainable development of the region; 4. Urges the Central American nations to continue to work together to resolve border issues for the greater good of the region and its inhabitants; 5. Draws attention to the convening of the Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons in Central America: Control and Regulation of Weapons Transfers in Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action, held in San José from 3 to 5 December 2001, and welcomes the adoption of a plan of activities _______________ 1 2 A/57/384 and Add.1.