A/RES/58/205 Noting that Member States have different institutional arrangements and capacities to ensure the implementation of legislation on preventing corrupt practices and transfer of assets of illicit origin and returning such assets to the countries of origin, Considering that the prevention of corrupt practices and transfer of assets of illicit origin and the return of such assets to the countries of origin have not been adequately regulated by all national legislations and international legal instruments, Emphasizing the responsibilities of all Governments to enact laws aimed at preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of assets of illicit origin and return of such assets to the countries of origin, Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on preventing and 1. combating corrupt practices and transfer of funds of illicit origin and returning such assets to the countries of origin; 4 2. Welcomes the entry into force of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime; 5 3. Notes with appreciation the report of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Negotiation of a Convention against Corruption on the work of its first to seventh sessions; 6 4. Welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption; 7 5. Also welcomes the participation of Member States at a high level, including at the ministerial level, in the High-level Political Conference for the Purpose of Signing the United Nations Convention against Corruption, held at Merida, Mexico, from 9 to 11 December 2003; 8 6. Invites all Member States and competent regional economic integration organizations to sign, ratify and fully implement the United Nations Convention against Corruption as soon as possible in order to ensure its rapid entry into force; Encourages all Member States that have not yet done so to enact laws to 7. prevent and combat corrupt practices and the transfer of illicitly acquired assets and for the return of such assets to the countries of origin, in accordance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption; Also encourages all Member States that have not yet done so to require 8. financial institutions to properly implement comprehensive due diligence and vigilance programmes that could facilitate transparency and prevent the placement of illicitly acquired funds; Encourages subregional and regional cooperation, where appropriate, in 9. the efforts to prevent and combat corrupt practices and the transfer of assets of illicit origin and for the return of such assets to the countries of origin; _______________ 4 A/58/125. Resolution 55/25, annex I. 6 A/58/422 and Add.1. 7 See resolution 58/4. 8 A/CONF.205/2. 5 2