In order to realize these objectives, Member States shall act, inter alia, in accordance with the following principles:

• All Member States commit themselves to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter;
• Member States are sovereign, independent and equal in rights and obligations;
• All Member States shall settle their disputes through peaceful means and refrain from use or threat of use of force in their relations;
• All Member States undertake to respect national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of other Member States and shall refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of others;
• Member States shall uphold and promote, at the national and international levels, good governance, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.