A/RES/48/161 Page 4 Bearing in mind that the process established by the International Conference on Central American Refugees will be completed in May 1994 and that the United Nations Development Programme has assumed the role of lead agency in completing unfinished programmes, and bearing in mind as well the eventual depletion of the Special Plan of Economic Cooperation for Central America, through which both the United Nations system and the international community, and especially the cooperating countries, have supported the Central American peace process, Noting with concern that events have occurred in Central America that may hinder the consolidation of a firm and lasting peace, Aware that Central America is facing a difficult transition period requiring every effort of the Governments and the various sectors of the Central American countries, as well as support from the international community, in overcoming the underlying structural causes that gave rise to the crisis in the region, Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 11 November 1993 on the situation in Central America, 5/ Bearing in mind the initiative of the Central American Presidents to convene an international conference on peace and development in Central America, contained in the Guatemala Declaration adopted at their fourteenth summit meeting on 29 October 1993, 1. Commends the efforts of the Central American peoples and Governments to consolidate peace by implementing the agreements adopted at summit meetings since 1987, urges them to continue with their efforts to consolidate a firm and lasting peace in Central America, and requests the Secretary-General to continue to afford the fullest possible support for the initiatives and efforts of the Central American Governments; 2. Supports the decision of the Central American Presidents to declare Central America a region of peace, freedom, democracy and development, as set out in the Tegucigalpa Protocol, 2/ and encourages the initiatives of the Central American countries to consolidate Governments which base their development on democracy, peace, cooperation and full respect for human rights; 3. Takes note of the Guatemala Declaration adopted on 29 October 1993 by the Central American Presidents at their fourteenth summit meeting, and shares the view that an opportunity exists in Central America to translate into reality the relation of interdependence between peace and development, which would constitute an historic achievement and a frame of reference useful in the settlement of disputes and the consolidation of peace and democracy through integrated and sustained development; 4. Welcomes with satisfaction the efforts of the Central American countries to promote economic growth within a context of human development, as well as the progress achieved in strengthening democracy in the region, as ____________ 5/ A/48/586. /...