STATEMENT BY  H.E. PETER THOMSON,

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE COMMITTEE ON DECOLONISATION (C24)

ON THE ‘QUESTION OF TOKELAU’,

NEW YORK, 22 JUNE 2010.

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation welcomes the progress made on the question of Tokelau and we also acknowledge the decision of the General Fono of Tokelau that consideration of any future act of self determination will be deferred and that the Administering Power and Tokelau will devote renewed effort and attention to ensuring that essential services and infrastructure on the atolls of Tokelau are enhanced and strengthened, thereby ensuring a better quality of life for its people.

Mr. Chairman,

On Resolution A/AC.109/2010/L.16, as introduced by the distinguished representative of Papua New Guinea, the current draft contains a few technical updates from that of the 2009 text. On a more substantive element, my delegation notes with interest the addition of OP9 in the current Resolution which acknowledges the adoption of Tokelau’s 2010-2015 National Strategic Plan. This positive step is worth noting and a further illustration of the constructive cooperation and commitment between Tokelau and its Administering Power.

Consistent with the draft Resolution, we again call on the Committee, the United Nations agencies and the Administering Power to work together and continue to provide the needed assistance in the interests of Tokelau and its people.

Mr. Chairman,

We are pleased to be a co-sponsor of this important Resolution and we fully endorse it.  We therefore also ask the Committee to do the same and adopt the Resolution by consensus.

I thank you.