environment. In this regard, States were called upon to avoid and refrain from taking any measures not in accordance with international law, and in particular the Charter of the United Nations. States also concluded that further common understandings need to be developed on how international law applies to State use of ICTs. 35. States also reaffirmed that States shall seek the settlement of disputes by peaceful means such as negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, and resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice. 36. States concluded that, given the unique attributes of the ICT environment, deepening common understandings on how international law applies to State use of ICTs, can be developed by exchanging views on the issue among States and by identifying specific topics of international law for further in-depth discussion within the United Nations. 37. In order for all States to deepen their understandings of how international law applies to the use of ICTs by States, and to contribute to building consensus and common understandings within the international community, States concluded that there was a need for additional neutral and objective efforts to build capacity in the areas of international law, national legislation and policy. The OEWG recommends that 38. States, on a voluntary basis, continue to inform the Secretary-General of their national views and assessments on how international law applies to their use of ICTs in the context of international security, and continue to voluntarily share such national views and practices through other avenues as appropriate. 39. States in a position to do so continue to support, in a neutral and objective manner, additional efforts to build capacity, in accordance with the principles contained in paragraph 56 of this report, in the areas of international law, national legislation and policy, in order for all States to contribute to building common understandings of how international law applies to the use of ICTs by States, and to contribute to building consensus within the international community. 40. States continue to study and undertake discussions within future UN processes on how international law applies to the use of ICTs by States as a key step to clarify and further develop common understandings on the issue. Confidence-building Measures 41. Confidence-building measures (CBMs), which comprise transparency, cooperative and stability measures can contribute to preventing conflicts, avoiding misperception and misunderstandings, and the reduction of tensions. They are a concrete expression of international cooperation. With the necessary resources, capacities and engagement, CBMs can strengthen the overall security, resilience and peaceful use of ICTs. CBMs can also support implementation of norms of responsible State behaviour, in that they foster trust and ensure greater clarity, predictability and stability in the use of ICTs by States. Together with the other pillars of the framework for responsible State behaviour, CBMs can also help build common understandings among States, thereby contributing to a more peaceful international environment. 42. As CBMs are voluntary engagements taken progressively, they can be a first step to addressing mistrust arising from misunderstandings between States by establishing communication, building bridges and initiating cooperation on a shared objective of mutual interest. As such, CBMs may lay the foundations for expanded, additional arrangements and agreements in the future. 43. States concluded that the dialogue within the Open-ended Working Group was in itself a CBM, as it stimulates an open and transparent exchange of views on perceptions of threats and 6