signatory state means a Member State which has signed this Pact; third party means a State or entity which is not a party to this Pact. Article 2 Objective The objective of this Pact is to operationalise the mechanisms of the Organ for mutual cooperation in defence and security matters. Article 3 Conflict Resolution 1. State Parties shall, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, settle any international dispute in which they may be involved, by peaceful means, in such a manner that regional and international peace, security and justice are enhanced. 2. State Parties shall refrain, in their international relations, from the threat of or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the principles mentioned in paragraph 1. Article 4 Military Preparedness In order to effectively achieve the objectives of this Pact, State Parties shall individually and collectively, by means of continuous co-operation and assistance, maintain and develop their individual and collective self-defence capacity to maintain peace, stability and security. 75