-3- 3. That they commit, in the framework of applicable national and international law, to deny safe haven to corrupt officials, to those who corrupt them, and to the proceeds of corruption, and to cooperate in their extradition as well as in the recovery and return of those proceeds of corruption to their legitimate owners; and they commit to enhance regional mechanisms for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. 4. Their concern regarding corrupt, illegal, and fraudulent practices in the management of some national and transnational enterprises, which may have a negative impact on economies, in particular those of developing countries, and on their producers and consumers. 5. That they reaffirm their pledge to intensify efforts to combat corruption and other unethical practices in the public and/or private sectors, strengthening a culture of transparency and ensuring more efficient public management. 6. Their willingness to promote the adoption, in accordance with fundamental principles of their domestic law, of such legislative and other measures as may be necessary to enable competent authorities of the requested state to return confiscated property to the requesting state, in the case of embezzlement of public funds or of laundering of embezzled public funds. 7. The importance of the international community making concerted efforts with the states of the Hemisphere to fight corruption and impunity, offering them the broadest cooperation in the framework of applicable treaties and laws so that those who have perpetrated acts of corruption from a position of political power against those states can be tried by their national courts and be answerable to them. 8. That political pluralism and sound political parties are essential elements of democracy. They underscore the importance of rules to ensure the transparency of party finances, to prevent corruption and the risk of undue influence, and to encourage a high level of electoral participation. 9. That the prevention and eradication of corruption is a responsibility of all states and that they must cooperate with one another, with the support and involvement of individuals and groups outside the public sector, such as civil society, nongovernmental organizations, and community-based organizations, if their efforts in this area are to be effective. 10. That the fight against corruption should involve principles of proper management of public affairs and public property, fairness, responsibility and equality before the law, fundamental principles of due process of law in criminal proceedings and in civil or administrative proceedings to adjudicate property rights, and the need to safeguard integrity and to foster a culture of rejection of corruption. 11. That international cooperation against corruption should be respectful of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and the principle of nonintervention in domestic matters. 12. That the Inter-American Convention against Corruption is the framework for collective action and hemispheric cooperation in this field. They underscore their commitment to strengthen the Follow-up Mechanism for Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against