of the past, as stipulated in the Agreement on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict, signed in Paris on 23 October 1991, Taking note of the new developments in Cambodia, especially, those associated with recent progress and efforts by the Government of Cambodia to promote and protect human rights, especially in the achievements and improvements of social, economic, political and cultural fields over recent years through its relevant national plans, strategies and frameworks, I. Khmer Rouge Tribunal 1. Reaffirms the importance of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, which aims to bring justice for the most serious cases of violations of human rights committed during the Khmer Rouge era and believes it will significantly contribute to eradicating impunity and establishing the rule of law, inter alia, by exploiting its potential as a model court of Cambodia; 2. Welcomes the progress made with regard to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, including the detention in 2007 of the five main suspects and the submission of the first closing order on 8 August 2008, and supports the positions of the Government of Cambodia and the United Nations to proceed with the tribunal in a fair, efficient and expeditious manner given the advanced age and frail health of the persons charged and the long overdue justice for the people of Cambodia; 3. Welcomes also the assistance of a number of States to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and, noting the revised budget estimate endorsed on 17 July 2008, encourages the Government of Cambodia to work with the United Nations and States providing assistance to ensure the highest standards of administration of the Extraordinary Chambers, and invites further assistance for the Extraordinary Chambers in a prompt manner in order to ensure its successful functioning; II. Democracy and Situation of Human Rights 4. Welcomes: