A/RES/53/67
Page 5
13. Requests the Special Committee to continue the examination of the question of the small
Territories and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session with recommendations
on appropriate ways to assist the peoples of the Territories in exercising their right to self-determination.
78th plenary meeting
3 December 1998
B
INDIVIDUAL TERRITORIES
The General Assembly,
Referring to resolution A above,
I. American Samoa
Taking note of the report by the administering Power that most American Samoan leaders express
satisfaction with the island's present relationship with the United States of America,
Taking note with interest of the statement made and the information on the political and economic
situation in American Samoa provided by the Governor of American Samoa to the Pacific regional
seminar held at Nadi, Fiji, from 16 to 18 June 1998,2
Noting that the Government of the Territory continues to have significant financial, budgetary and
internal control problems and that the Territory's deficit and financial condition are compounded by the
high demand for government services from the rapidly growing population, a limited economic and tax
base and recent natural disasters,
Noting also that the Territory, similar to isolated communities with limited funds, continues to
experience a lack of adequate medical facilities and other infrastructural requirements,
Aware of the efforts of the Government of the Territory to control and reduce expenditures, while
continuing its programme of expanding and diversifying the local economy,
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. Calls upon the administering Power to continue to assist the territorial Government in the
economic and social development of the Territory, including measures to rebuild financial management
capabilities and strengthen other governmental functions of the Government of the Territory;
2
See A/AC.109/2121, para. 28.
/...