A/RES/63/108 A–B Expressing concern that more than forty-seven years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, 2 there still remain a number of Non-Self-Governing Territories, Conscious of the importance of continuing effective implementation of the Declaration, taking into account the target set by the United Nations to eradicate colonialism by 2010 and the plan of action for the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, 3 Recognizing that the specific characteristics and the aspirations of the peoples of the Territories require flexible, practical and innovative approaches to the options of self-determination, without any prejudice to territorial size, geographical location, size of population or natural resources, Noting the stated position of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the stated position of the Government of the United States of America on the Non-Self-Governing Territories under their administration, Noting also the stated positions of the representatives of the Non-SelfGoverning Territories before the Special Committee and in its regional seminars, Noting further the constitutional developments in some Non-Self-Governing Territories affecting the internal structure of governance about which the Special Committee has received information, Aware of the importance both to the Territories and to the Special Committee of the participation of elected and appointed representatives of the Territories in the work of the Special Committee, Convinced that the wishes and aspirations of the peoples of the Territories should continue to guide the development of their future political status and that referendums, free and fair elections and other forms of popular consultation play an important role in ascertaining the wishes and aspirations of the people, Convinced also that any negotiations to determine the status of a Territory must take place with the active involvement and participation of the people of that Territory, under the aegis of the United Nations, on a case-by-case basis, and that the views of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in respect of their right to self-determination should be ascertained, Noting that a number of Non-Self-Governing Territories have expressed concern at the procedure followed by some administering Powers, contrary to the wishes of the Territories themselves, of amending or enacting legislation for application to the Territories, either through Orders in Council, in order to apply to the Territories the international treaty obligations of the administering Power, or through the unilateral application of laws and regulations, Aware of the importance of the international financial services sector for the economies of some of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, Noting the continued cooperation of the Non-Self-Governing Territories at the local and regional levels, including participation in the work of regional organizations, _______________ 2 3 2 Resolution 1514 (XV). A/56/61, annex.