TAKING COGNISANCE of the decision of SADC to create the ORGAN on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation which appears in the Gaborone Communiqué of 28th June 1996; NOTING Article 9 of the Treaty which establishes the Organ; BEARING IN MIND that Chapter VIII of the UN Charter recognizes the role of regional arrangements in dealing with such matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security as are appropriate for regional action; RECOGNISING AND RE-AFFIRMING the principles of strict respect for sovereignty, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, good neighbourliness, interdependence, non-aggression and non-interference in internal affairs of other States; 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 cooperation and integration; CONVINCED FURTHER that the Organ constitutes an appropriate 53