A/RES/53/1 Page 3 Conscious of the efforts of the Governments and the peoples of Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis to save lives and alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the hurricane, Noting the enormous effort that will be required to alleviate the grave situation caused by this natural disaster, Conscious of the prompt response being made by Governments, the agencies and bodies of the United Nations system, international and regional agencies, non-governmental organizations and private individuals to provide relief, Recognizing that the magnitude of the disaster and its medium- and long-term effects will require, as a complement to the efforts being made by the peoples and the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis, a demonstration of international solidarity and humanitarian concern to ensure broad multilateral cooperation in order to face the immediate emergency situation in the affected areas and to initiate the process of reconstruction, 1. Expresses its support for the efforts of the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis and its solidarity with their peoples as they cope with the disaster; 2. Expresses its appreciation to all States of the international community, international agencies and non-governmental organizations that are providing emergency relief to the affected countries; 3. Urges all States of the international community, as a matter of urgency, to contribute generously to the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the affected countries and to provide financing for the national and regional relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts being undertaken by the affected countries using their own and pooled human resources; 4. Requests the Secretary-General, in collaboration with the international financial institutions and bodies and agencies of the United Nations system, to assist the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis in identifying their medium- and long-term needs and in mobilizing resources, as well as to help with the task of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected countries undertaken by their respective Governments; 5. Requests the relevant organizations and bodies of the United Nations system and other multilateral organizations to provide support and assistance in the strengthening of the disaster preparedness and prevention capacities of the countries of the region; 6. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly, under agenda item 20, through the Economic and Social Council at the next humanitarian questions segment of its substantive session, on the collaborative effort referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 above and on the progress made with the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of the affected countries. 28th plenary meeting 5 October 1998