There had, nevertheless, been general agreement in some areas.

The follow up indicators to target 3 indicate progress for the period 1990 2004.

While the epidemiological statistics are alarming, the death rate has declined in recent weeks, from 7.6 to 3.6 .

163. Population ageing has become a central characteristic of the industrialized countries and is gradually becoming visible in some developing countries as well.

Some movement in just this direction was suggested by widespread international support for the humanitarian interventions in Bosnia, Kosovo, and East Timor. Another sign of change is the basic document ( Constitutive Act ) of the African Union, the regional organization launched in July 2000 to replace the ineffective Organization of African Unity.

Some movement in just this direction was suggested by widespread international support for the humanitarian interventions in Bosnia, Kosovo, and East Timor.

We have clearly made progress on some fronts, but perhaps regressed on others.

In the first year of the gap closing measures, the comparator had slipped behind the stated objective.

The gap between the wealthiest and poorest groups of society has increased, and there are also significant differences in incomes between urban and rural areas.

The past year has seen a substantial improvement in the security climate in several parts of the world, including the Middle East, where there are good prospects of further progress in the peace process.

Since this matter was first raised in the High level Committee on South South Cooperation in 2003, there has been some improvement.

These include a significant reduction in the number of major conflicts, the establishment of the African Peer Review Mechanism to support national efforts to strengthen the system of political, economic and corporate governance, and an increase in the rate of economic growth on the continent, although it is not yet sufficient to ensure the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

There has been some improvement in our relations with our largest neighbour, India, on the issue of the return of Chakma refugees and on that of economic interactions.

At the time of the mission's visit, the implementation of the Global Ceasefire Agreement signed on 16 November 2003 between the Transitional Government and CNDD FDD (Nkurunziza) had experienced some delays.

In many important and relevant spheres, such as social and humanitarian problems and cooperation for development, we witness closely concerted efforts undertaken by regional associations and the United Nations.

He thanked delegations that had commented on the quality of the External Auditor's report, and noted that there seemed to be general agreement that his office continued to perform excellent work.

He also said that there was an increase in the post categories without any justification given for that in the document and he wished to be provided with an explanation in that connection.

The pre 1998 period of economic decline, on their view, reflected a stalled transition process, whereas the ruble crisis finally jolted the authorities into action, with recovery following implementation of far reaching reforms.

83. In virtually all countries, especially in Asia and Latin America, there has been a marked shift to improve the quality of family planning services from a previous strong emphasis on achieving quantitative targets.

Although the task before the Open ended Working Group remains a difficult and sensitive one, we were glad to note that there was some convergence of views in the course of its work this year on the nature of the enlargement that might be achieved.