Southern African Development Community RECALLING the 1964 resolution of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity, declaring that all Member States pledge to respect the borders existing on their achievement of national independence; FURTHER REAFFIRMING the primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, and the role of the Central Organ of the Organisation of African Unity Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution; CONVINCED that peace, security and strong political relations are critical factors in creating a conducive environment for regional co-operation and integration; CONVINCED FURTHER that the Organ constitutes an appropriate institutional framework by which Member States could co-ordinate policies and activities in the area of politics, defence and security; DETERMINED to achieve solidarity, peace and security in the Region through close cooperation on matters of politics, defence and security; DESIROUS TO ENSURE that close cooperation on matters of politics, defence and security shall at all times promote the peaceful settlement of disputes by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or arbitration; ACTING in pursuance of Article lOA of the Treaty; HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS: ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS 1. In this Protocol terms and expressions defined in Article 1 of the Treaty shall bear the same meaning unless the context otherwise requires. Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation 2