A/RES/56/72 1. Notes that the administering Power has taken note of various statements made by members of the Legislative Council of St. Helena about the Constitution and that it is prepared to discuss them further with the people of St. Helena; 2. Requests 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; 3. Requests 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 challenges, including the high unemployment and the limited transport and communications problems; X. Turks and Caicos Islands Taking note with interest of the statements made and the information on the political and economic situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands provided by the Cabinet Minister as well as a member of the legislature from the opposition of the Territory to the Caribbean regional seminar, held at St. John’s from 21 to 23 May 1997, 13 Noting that the People’s Democratic Movement was elected to power in the Legislative Council elections held in March 1999, Also noting the efforts by the Government of the Territory to strengthen financial management in the public sector, including efforts to increase revenue, Noting with concern the vulnerability of the Territory to drug trafficking and related activities, as well as its problems caused by illegal immigration, Noting the need for continued cooperation between the administering Power and the territorial Government in countering drug trafficking and money-laundering, Welcoming the assessment by the Caribbean Development Bank in its 1999 report that the economic performance of the Territory remained strong, with an increase in gross domestic product estimated at 8.7 per cent, reflecting strong growth in the tourism and construction sectors, 1. Requests 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; 2. Invites the administering Power 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; 3. Calls upon the administering Power and the relevant regional and international organizations to continue to provide assistance for the improvement of the economic, social, educational and other conditions of the population of the Territory; _______________ 13 See A/AC.109/2089, para. 29. 13