NO TERRITORIES ADMINISTERED BY UNITED KINGDOM REMAINED BRITISH THROUGH COERCION OR REPRESSION, FOURTH COMMITTEE TOLD

5 October 1998

Press Release
GA/SPD/133

NO TERRITORIES ADMINISTERED BY UNITED KINGDOM REMAINED BRITISH THROUGH COERCION OR REPRESSION, FOURTH COMMITTEE TOLD

19981005 Administering Powers Urged To Promote Territories' Economic Development as Fourth Committee Takes Up Decolonization Issues

In no case had Non-Self-Governing Territories administered by the United Kingdom remained British through coercion or repression, and in no case had the people been denied the opportunity to make their views known, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) was told this afternoon as it began its consideration of decolonization issues.

The representative of the United Kingdom said that the remaining Territories administered by her country had chosen to remain British for various good reasons, including historical, economic and security factors, and, in some cases, sheer remoteness and small size.

She said that there continued to be differences between the Special Committee on Decolonization's perception of the concept of self-determination and the United Kingdom's view. The Special Committee continued to apply the term "self-determination" selectively, while the United Kingdom believed it was universal and related to all peoples regardless of geography or history. Self-determination meant the freedom to choose one's identity and identity was not synonymous with independence.

The representative of China said that one of the most important achievements of the United Nations since its inception was that it had helped a number of colonies to cast off the yoke of colonial rule and achieve independence. At the same time, however, it was important not to lose sight of the fact that the decolonization process was not yet complete.

He said China supported sending more inspection teams to the Non-Self- Governing Territories and hoped the administering Powers would cooperate. Better assistance should be given to those Territories to help them establish a sound economic base. Administering Powers were duty-bound to help promote the economic and social development of those Territories.

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The representative of Algeria, speaking on the subject of Western Sahara, said that the signing of the Houston Agreement had put back on track a process which had gradually been sidetracked. However, there remained serious difficulties and challenges which must be overcome. Those difficulties and challenges had been reported regularly to the Security Council by the Secretary-General. The General Assembly should be fully attentive in this crucial phase and should display vigilance to ensure respect by each of the parties of its obligations.

Statements were also made by the representatives of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (on behalf of the Association of South-East Asian Nations), Panama (on behalf of the Rio Group), Uruguay and El Salvador (on behalf of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama). The representative of the United Kingdom spoke in exercise of the right of reply.

Also this afternoon, the Committee heard a statement by Bruno Rodriguez- Parrilla, Acting Chairman of the Special Committee on decolonization. The Rapporteur of the Special Committee, Fayssal Mekdad, introduced the Special Committee's report.

The Fourth Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Wednesday, 7 October, to continue its consideration of decolonization matters.

Committee Work Programme

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this afternoon to begin its consideration of decolonization issues.

Among the documents before the Committee is the report of the Special Committee on decolonization (document A/53/23, Parts II to IX), which reviews implementation of the 1960 General Assembly Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples with regard to the Territories of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. It also reports on situations in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Tokelau, Guam, East Timor, Gibraltar, New Caledonia and Western Sahara.

The report also deals with information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the United Nations Charter; activities of foreign economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of those Territories; and implementation of the Declaration by United Nations specialized agencies and related international institutions.

In part II of the report, the Special Committee recommends for adoption by the General Assembly, a draft resolution on the question of dissemination of information on decolonization. Under its provisions, the Assembly would request the Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Public Information (DPI) to continue their efforts to publicize the decolonization work of the United Nations through all the media available, including publications, radio and television, as well as the Internet.

The two departments would also be asked to continue to maintain a working relationship with the appropriate regional and intergovernmental organizations, particularly in the Pacific and Caribbean regions, by holding periodic consultations and exchanging information. The involvement of non- governmental organizations would also be encouraged. All States, including the administering Powers, would cooperate in disseminating information on decolonization.

Also in part II is a resolution adopted by the Special Committee stressing the need to send periodic visiting missions to Non-Self-Governing Territories in order to facilitate the full, speedy and effective implementation of the Declaration on decolonization with respect to those Territories. Administering Powers were called upon to cooperate or continue to cooperate with the United Nations by receiving United Nations missions in the Territories under their administration. They were also requested to consider new approaches in the work of the Special Committee, and to cooperate with it in its efforts. The Special Committee Acting Chairman was requested to enter into consultations with the administering Power of Guam with a view

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to facilitating the dispatch of a United Nations visiting mission to that Territory.

Part III of the report contains a draft resolution on economic and other activities which affect the interests of the Non-Self-Governing Territories. By its terms, the General Assembly would reaffirm the right of the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories to self-determination in conformity with the United Nations Charter and with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on decolonization. The Assembly would also reaffirm the responsibility of the administering Powers under the Charter to promote the political, economic, social and educational advancement of Non- Self-Governing Territories, as well as the rights of their peoples over their natural resources.

Also in Part III is a draft decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration. Under its terms the General Assembly would deplore the continued alienation of land in colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories, particularly in the small island Territories of the Pacific and Caribbean regions, for military purposes. The large-scale utilization of the local resources for that purpose could adversely affect the economic development of the Territories concerned. The Assembly would reiterate that the colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories and areas adjacent thereto should not be used for nuclear testing, dumping of nuclear wastes or deployment of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. Aware of the presence of such bases and installations in those Territories, the Assembly would urge the administering Powers concerned to continue to take all necessary measures not to involve those Territories in offensive acts or interference against other States.

Part IV of the report contains a draft resolution implementation of the Declaration by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations. Among other measures, the Assembly would request the those bodies to provide information on environmental problems facing the Territories; the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and volcanoes, on the Territories; ways and means to assist the Territories in fighting drug trafficking, money laundering and other illegal and criminal activities; and the illegal exploitation of the marine resources for the benefit of the peoples of the Territories.

The administering Powers would be requested to facilitate the participation of representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories in the relevant meetings and conferences of the specialized agencies. The Secretary- General would be requested to continue to assist those bodies in working out appropriate measures for implementing the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and to report on their implementation. The Assembly would commend the Economic and Social Council for its debate and resolution on that topic and request it to continue to consider, in consultation with the Special Committee, measures in that regard.

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A related report of the Secretary-General is also before the Committee (document A/53/130 and Corr.1). It informs the Assembly that in a letter dated 30 March, the Secretary-General transmitted the text of a resolution adopted by the General Assembly on that matter to the executive heads of specialized agencies and international institutions listed in the report.

Part IV also contains a draft resolution on information from Non-Self- Governing Territories. By its terms, the General Assembly would request the administering Powers concerned to transmit to the Secretary-General the information prescribed in Article 73 e of the Charter, as well as the fullest possible information on political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned. The Secretary-General would be requested to continue to ensure that adequate information was drawn from all available published sources in connection with the preparation of working papers relating to the Territories concerned.

According to Part V of the report, the Special Committee granted requests for hearing on the question of East Timor and heard statements from a number of petitioners. It also acceded to requests by the delegations of Brazil and Sao Tome and Principe to participate in its consideration of that question. It decided to continue consideration of the question at its next session, subject to any directives that the Assembly might give in that connection at its fifty-third session.

Also according to Part V, the Special Committee decided, on the recommendation of its Acting Chairman, to continue its consideration of the question of Gibraltar at its next session. It heard statements by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar and by the representative of Spain.

Also according to Part V, the Special Committee decided to continue consideration of the question of Western Sahara at its next session. It granted a request for hearing to a representative of the Frente Popular para la Liberacion de Saguia el-Hamra y de Rio de Oro (Frente POLISARIO).

On the question of New Caledonia, the Special Committee recommends for adoption by the General Assembly a draft resolution under which it would urge all parties involved, in the interest of all the people of that territory and building on the positive outcome of the review of the Matignon and Noumea Accords, to maintain their dialogue in a spirit of harmony. The Assembly would also invite all the parties involved to continue promoting a framework for the peaceful progress of the Territory towards an act of self- determination in which all options were open and which would safeguard the rights of all New Caledonians, according to the letter and spirit of the Matignon and Noumea Accords, which are based on the principle that it is for the populations of New Caledonia to choose how to control their destiny.

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Part VI of the report contains an omnibus draft resolution on the situation of the Non-Self-Governing Territories of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands and United States Virgin Islands. In the draft's first part, the General Assembly would call upon the administering Powers, in cooperation with the respective territorial governments, to continue to take all necessary measures to counter problems related to drug trafficking, money laundering and other offences. The Assembly would also call upon the administering Powers, in cooperation with the territorial governments, to facilitate programmes of political education in the Territories in order to foster an awareness among the people of their right to self-determination.

The second part of the resolution deals with specific conditions in each Territory. By the terms of the draft on American Samoa, the Assembly would call upon the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the Secretary- General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people regarding their future political status.

By the terms of the draft on Anguilla, the Assembly would request the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Territory regarding their future political status.

Regarding Bermuda, the Assembly would request the administering Power to elaborate, in consultation with the territorial Government, programmes of development specifically intended to alleviate the economic, social and environmental consequences of the closure of certain military bases and installations in the Territory.

Under the terms of the draft on the British Virgin Islands, the Assembly would request the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system and all financial institutions to continue to provide assistance to the Territory for socio-economic development and the development of human resources, bearing in mind the vulnerability of the Territory to external factors.

The draft on the Cayman Islands would have the Assembly call upon the administering Power and the territorial Government to cooperate in countering problems related to money laundering, smuggling of funds and other related crimes, as well as drug trafficking. The administering Power, in consultation with the territorial Government, would also be requested to continue to facilitate the expansion of the current programme of securing employment for the local population, in particular at the decision-making level.

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By the terms of the draft on Montserrat, the General Assembly would call upon the administering Power, the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system as well as regional and other organizations to provide urgent emergency assistance to the Territory in alleviating the consequences of the volcanic eruption.

By the terms of the draft on Pitcairn, the Assembly would request the administering Power, bearing in mind the views of the people of the Territory ascertained through a democratic process, to keep the Secretary-General informed of the wishes and aspirations of the people regarding their future political status. The administering Power would also be requested to continue its assistance for the improvement of the economic, social, educational and other conditions of the Territory's population.

The draft on St. Helena would have the Assembly request the administering Power and relevant regional and international organizations to continue to support the efforts of the territorial Government to address the socio-economic development of the Territory.

By the draft on the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Assembly would call upon the administering Power and the territorial Government to continue to cooperate to counter problems related to money laundering, smuggling of funds and other related crimes, as well as drug trafficking. The administering Power would also be invited to take fully into account the wishes and interests of the government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the governance of the Territory.

The draft on the United States Virgin Islands would have the Assembly request the administering Power to facilitate the participation of the Territory, as appropriate, in various organizations, in particular the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It would also welcome the conclusions of the negotiations between the administering Power and the territorial government on the question of Water Island.

Part VII of the report contains a draft resolution on the question of Tokelau. By its terms, the Assembly would acknowledge Tokelau's need for reassurance, given that local resources could not adequately cover the material side of self-determination, and the ongoing responsibility of the Territory'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. The Assembly would also welcome the assurances by the Government of New Zealand that it would 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.

By the terms of a draft resolution on the question of Guam, contained in Part VIII of the report, the Assembly would call upon the administering Power

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to cooperate with Guam's Commission on Decolonization for the Implementation and exercise of Chamorro Self-Determination in order to facilitate Guam's decolonization and to keep the Secretary-General informed of progress to that end. The administering Power would also be asked to continue to recognize and respect the political rights and the cultural and ethnic identity of the Chamorro people of Guam, and take all necessary measures to respond to the concerns of the territorial government with regard to the immigration issue.

Also by that draft, the Assembly would request the administering Power to cooperate in establishing programmes specifically intended to promote the sustainable development of economic activities and enterprises by the Chamorro people of Guam. The administering Power would also be asked to continue to support appropriate measures by the territorial Government aimed at promoting growth in commercial fishing and agricultural and other viable activities.

Part IX of the report contains a draft resolution on the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), by which the Assembly would regret that in spite of the widespread international support for a negotiation between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom that included all aspects of the future of the Falklands Islands (Malvinas), the implementation of the General Assembly resolutions on that question had not yet started. The Assembly would reiterate its firm support for the mission of good offices of the Secretary- General.

Another report of the Secretary-General before the Committee details offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/53/262 and Add.1). It states that 47 Member States and one non-Member State have offered scholarships for the inhabitants Non-Self-Governing Territories. Among others, it cites Australia as having offered 13 scholarships to New Caledonia in the 1997-1998 financial year and that six more scholarships would be offered in 1998-1999.

The report says Singapore offered short-term training programmes and study visits under the Singapore Cooperation Programme for government officials from the Non-Self-Governing Territories of British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Tokelau and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Barbados provided for the admission of nationals from Montserrat to the tertiary institutions of Barbados on the same basis as its own nationals, thus exempting them from paying non-national fees.

According to another report (document A/53/263), the Secretary-General states that in the 1997-1998 period, information was received under Article 73 e of the United Nations Charter from New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Under Article 73 e, administering Powers are required to transmit regularly to the Secretary-General information "relating to economic, social and educational conditions in the Territories for which they are respectively responsible". That includes information on geography, history and population and, in the case of Territories under the

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administration of New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, information on constitutional matters.

Statements on Decolonization

FAYSSAL MEKDAD (Syria), Rapporteur of the Special Committee on decolonization, introduced that Committee's report. He noted that Part I of the report would be considered directly by the plenary.

BRUNO RODRIGUEZ-PARRILLA (Cuba), Acting Chairman of the Special Committee, said that throughout its existence, the Special Committee had seen its efforts recompensed by the admission to the United Nations of many colonial countries. However, much remained to be done and the decolonization process had not ended.

He said that the small island Territories of the Caribbean and Pacific regions needed special attention in light of their economic weakness, lack of natural resources and vulnerability to natural disasters. They should be placed in a special category. Access of those Territories to United Nations development programmes added to their capacity-building and was consistent with the requirements of self-determination.

The Special Committee had stayed in close contact with the representatives of those Territories and with the administering Powers, he said. The participation of New Zealand and Portugal in the Special Committee, as well as France's participation -- this year for the first time -- was welcome. The periodic holding of regional seminars had also been extremely useful in understanding the thinking of the inhabitants of the Territories. The latest one had been held at Nadi, Fiji, in June this year.

He said that the report of the Special Committee summarized its work. It had maintained periodic examination of its working methods and had decided to conduct a critical review of its performance. The General Assembly should give positive consideration to its recommendations in order to rapidly and effectively end colonialism in all its forms.

Katherine SMITH (United Kingdom) said the United Kingdom was prepared to consider any proposals about the future of its remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories. Her country's relationship with the Territories remained firmly based on the principle of self-determination.

However, there continued to be differences between the Special Committee on decolonization's perception of the concept of self-determination and the United Kingdom's view, she said. First, the Special Committee continued to apply the term "self-determination" selectively, while the United Kingdom believed it was universal and related to all peoples regardless of geography or history. Second, self-determination meant the freedom to choose one's identity. Identity was not synonymous with independence. The United

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Kingdom's remaining Territories had chosen to remain British for a variety of good reasons, which included historical and family ties, economic and security factors, and, in some cases, sheer remoteness and small size. In no cases had Territories remained British through coercion or repression, and in no cases had the people been denied the opportunity to make their views known.

The British Government's readiness to change and to review and modernize its relationship with the Territories should be matched by the Special Committee, she said. That Committee should be ready to recognize not only that the colonial era was over and that colonialism as a practice was dead, but that many of its ideas about the nature of life in the Territories were outdated. For example, even the designation of the Territories as "Non-Self- Governing" was, in many cases, clearly inappropriate. She added that while in the last few years the Special Committee had shown itself to be open to efforts to better reflect the reality of contemporary relationships between the Administering Powers and the Territories, the United Kingdom would hope that further improvements, based on dialogue built on confidence and trust, would be made this year.

ABDALLAH BAALI (Algeria) said that thanks to the ceaseless commitment of the Special Committee, many nations that had taken up arms to fight for their independence were today Members of the United Nations. However, as mankind prepared to enter the third millenium, the cause of decolonization had yet to be fully realized -- many countries remained under the colonial yoke. With respect to the achievements already made and to the future actions to be taken, he said that the General Assembly and the Fourth Committee -- which had always echoed and supported the colonial people's just struggle for independence -- should remain the tribunals that those people could turn to in seeking to exercise their right to self-determination and independence.

Regarding Western Sahara, he said that the Houston Agreement had put back on track a process which had gradually been sidetracked. The merit for that achievement fell to the Secretary-General and to his Special Representative. However, there remained serious difficulties and challenges which must be overcome. Those difficulties and challenges had been reported regularly to the Security Council by the Secretary-General.

He said that the General Assembly, which had been fully committed to resolving the Western Sahara issue, should be fully attentive in this crucial phase and should display vigilance to ensure respect by each of the parties of its obligations. The fair, impartial holding of a self-determination referendum was essential in order to avoid damaging and derailing the entire process in such a way that it could never be resumed.

ALOUNKEO KITTIKHOUN (Lao People's Democratic Republic), speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said that since the inception of the United Nations in 1945 there had been numerous important achievements by the Organization; however, the decolonization process had yet

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to be completed. There were still a number of Non-Self-Governing Territories in the world, which had not had the opportunity to freely determine their future political status.

ASEAN reaffirmed its support for the principle of self-determination and for actions consistent with the United Nations Charter aimed at the elimination of colonialism, irrespective of the geographical location and the size of the population of the Territories, he said. What was essential was that conditions should be created so that the peoples of the remaining Territories could freely exercise their sacred right to choose their own destiny.

Political measures must be accompanied by effective social and economic development efforts, he said. First and foremost, it was the responsibility of the Administering Powers, in consultation with the peoples of the Territories, to facilitate programmes of political education in those Territories in order to foster an awareness among the peoples of the possibilities open to them in the exercise of their right to self- determination. Second, the Administering Powers should also promote balanced economic development so that the peoples in the Territories could achieve a certain level of self-sufficiency. Third, education and social development were crucial to the full realization of decolonization. Finally, it was necessary to take into account the needs and interests of the peoples of the Territories to ensure that such activities were not detrimental to their environment and heritage.

HERNAN TEJEIRA (Panama), speaking on behalf of the Rio Group, said that seminars remained an irreplaceable source of information on Non-Self-Governing Territories, since not all Administering Powers provided that information as was required by the United Nations. Administering Powers were urged to safeguard the rights of the peoples of those Territories to their natural resources and to maintain their control over those resources. The Non-Self- Governing Territories should be free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

Commending the work done by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for East Timor, he said that his delegation was pleased to note the possibility of the people of that Territory participating more directly in the peace process, and the proposed establishment by the end of 1998 of special interest sections by Portugal and Indonesia in their respective capitals. He reiterated the Latin American region's confidence that good relations between Argentina and the United Kingdom would facilitate the search for a settlement of the sovereignty dispute over the Falklands Islands (Malvinas).

SHEN GUOFANG (China) said one of the most important achievements of the United Nations since its inception was that it had helped a number of colonies cast off the yoke of colonial rule and achieve independence. At the same

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time, however, it was important not to lose sight of the fact that the decolonization process was not yet completed.

The people of Non-Self-Governing Territories had the inalienable right to self-determination, he said. They should be allowed to choose their future status freely, in accordance with the stipulations of the United Nations Charter, the decolonization Declaration and relevant resolutions. China hoped that the Administering Powers would cooperate even more closely with the United Nations and the people of the Territories so as to create the necessary conditions for them to exercise the right of self-determination.

He said China also supported sending more inspection teams to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, and hoped the Administering Powers would cooperate. They should continue to provide relevant data and materials and accept the visit by inspection teams to the Territories under their administration.

Better assistance should be given to the Territories to help them establish a sound economic base, he said. The Administering Powers were duty- bound to help promote the economic and social development of those Territories, and specialized agencies within the United Nations system and other organizations should continue to take all necessary measures to help improve the social and economic life of the Territories.

ALBERTO GUANI (Uruguay) proposed a complete evaluation of the decolonization objectives achieved between 1991 and 2000. Some general progress had been seen with regard to the agenda items before the Committee, particularly those relating to Tokelau and to the new cooperation between Portugal and Indonesia on East Timor. It was fundamental to obtain the cooperation of countries which had Non-Self-Governing Territories under their administration.

On Western Sahara, he said his delegation was in favour of a just, equitable and, above all, democratic settlement to the dispute. The holding of an impartial, just and free self-determination referendum would resolve that decolonization issue once and for all. He added that Uruguay was delighted that Argentina and the United Kingdom were making progress towards achieving resolution of the sovereignty dispute over the Falklands Islands (Malvinas).

GUILLERMO A. MELENDEZ-BARAHONA (El Salvador) speaking also on behalf of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic, said the process of decolonization had been one of the most important since the creation of the United Nations. That process had helped many peoples to freely become full Members of the United Nations.

While it was true there had been progress, the obligations of the Special Committee had not come to an end because there still existed

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Non-Self-Governing Territories, he said. Before anything else, the Administering Powers must assume their historical responsibilities regarding the governance of those Territories. Those Powers had an obligation to promote the Territories' well-being, politics and economics, and should protect them against abuses. Moreover, they must take into account the wishes and aspirations of the Territories' peoples.

He said El Salvador was pleased with the readiness shown by the Administering Powers to cooperate with the sending of United Nations visiting missions to obtain information on the wishes and aspirations of the Territories. He also cited positive results between Portugal and Indonesia over the conflict in East Timor, and was pleased with the recent developments between the relevant parties over the conflict in Western Sahara.

Right of Reply

MS. SMITH (United Kingdom), speaking in exercise of the right of reply, referred to statements by Panama and Uruguay regarding the United Kingdom's position on the Falkland Islands. She said her country's position on the subject was well-known, and had been stated by the United Kingdom's permanent representative to the United Nations at a meeting of the General Assembly on 22 September.

PABLO MACEDO (Mexico), Committee Chairman, then said he had received 11 requests for hearing on matters relating to Guam, implementation of the decolonization Declaration, New Caledonia and Western Sahara. He had also received communications from the Governor of Guam and the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, who wished to make statements on those two Territories respectively.

AHMED SNOUSSI (Morocco) asked what interest those petitioners slated to speak on the issue of Western Sahara had in discussing the conflict, and, specifically, what warranted them a position in the debate.

MR. MACEDO (Mexico), Committee Chairman, replied that the Committee would examine the petitioners and then decide which of them would be allowed to speak.

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