Notes that Tokelau remains firmly committed to the development of self-government and to an act of self-determination that would result in Tokelau assuming a status in accordance with the options on future status for Non-Self-Governing Territories contained in principle VI of the annex to General Assembly resolution 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960;
2
Also notes Tokelau’s desire to move at its own pace towards an act of self-determination;
3
Commends Tokelau’s ongoing work in charting a distinctive constitutional course, reflecting its unique traditions and environment;
4
Also commends Tokelau for current initiatives and endeavours, based on wide consultation with its people, to construct a true “house of Tokelau”, acknowledging the role of the village as the foundation of Tokelau, as well as the need to continue the process of strengthening the basis of national self-government;
5
Acknowledges the attention being given to broader matters of governance, including Tokelau’s efforts to establish clear local channels of responsibility and accountability in national and village government;
6
Notes the desire of Tokelau, in consultation with the Government of New Zealand, to take over responsibility for the Tokelau public service and the willingness of the Government of New Zealand to make the necessary legislative changes, reflecting its already well-advanced policy of devolving that part of government which deals with the interests of all of Tokelau;
7
Acknowledges Tokelau’s need for reassurance, given that local resources cannot adequately cover the material side of self-determination, and the ongoing responsibility of Tokelau’s external partners to assist Tokelau in balancing its desire to be self-reliant to the greatest extent possible with its need for external assistance;
8
Welcomes the assurances of the Government of New Zealand that it will meet its obligations to the United Nations with respect to Tokelau and abide by the freely expressed wishes of the people of Tokelau with regard to their future status;
9
Invitesthe administering Power and United Nations agencies to continue their assistance to the social and economic development of Tokelau;
10
Requeststhe Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to continue to examine this question and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session.
