Iran UN envoy regrets existing of 16 Non- Self Governing Territories on UN list

He made the remarks while speaking before the UN Special Political and Decolonization Committee on the agenda items 54-58 on Monday.

The text of his speech follows:
“Mr. Chairman,
At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on your election as the Chair of the special political and decolonization Committee. My congratulations also go to other members of the Bureau. I am confident that under your outstanding leadership, this Committee will be able to complete its work with success.

I associate myself with the statement made by the distinguished Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Mr. Chairman,
The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to the work of the United Nations in helping colonial countries and peoples to exercise their right to self-determination. Despite all effort exerted by the United Nations and its different organs to bring decolonization to an end, we have witnessed with regret that there are still 16 Non- Self Governing Territories on the list of the United Nations.

Mr. Chairman,
My delegation emphasizes that the existence of colonialism in any form or manifestation, including political, social, cultural and economic exploitation is incompatible with Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People. In this regard, it is necessary that the United Nations take effective measures to speed up the process of decolonization toward the complete elimination of colonialism in accordance with the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, subsequent relevant General Assembly resolutions, and the provisions of the United Nations Charter.
Further in this regard, the Administering Powers, under the charter of the United Nations have obligations to promote the political, economic, social and educational advancement of the people of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Mr. Chairman,
My delegation expresses its concern over any activities by the administering powers aimed at exploitation of the natural resources that are the heritage of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories. While one of their main responsibilities is to protect the human and natural resources of those Territories against possible abuses, they should also make all necessary measures in order to avoid any economic and other activities that may adversely affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, including their cultural, social and economic integrity.
It is also vital to note that military installations and activities of Administering Powers in some of Non-Self-Governing Territories run counter to the rights and interests of the peoples of those territories, and the impact of military activities on the environment, economic development and the health of their population, is a source of serious concern.
We call upon the administering Powers to cooperate with the Committee (C24) in the discharge of its mandate and to facilitate visiting missions of the Committee and to cooperate fully with the United Nations by receiving visiting missions in the Territories under their administration.
Iran Stresses the importance of the timely transmission by the administering Powers of adequate information under Article 73 e of the Charter, in particular in relation to the preparation by the Secretariat of the working papers on the Territories concerned.

Mr. Chairman,
The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its full support to the activities and the hard work of the Special Committee and continues to contribute to the efforts aiming at eradication of colonialism. We believe that the Special Committee on decolonization should enhance its efficiency in order to adopt a more effective working method, improve its interaction and cooperation with Administering Powers, and ensure the active participation of peoples of the Non-self-Governing Territories in determining their own future.

We also commend the role of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and the Department of Public Information (DPI) for providing the Special Committee with necessary technical and advisory services, as well as the dissemination of relevant information at the local, regional and international level on the activities of the United Nations concerning the decolonization process. We encourage them to continue to intensify their efforts in this regard.

The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to lay emphasis on political, economic, social and educational advancement of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in the decolonization process as a prerequisite for any decision taken to change the status of the None-Self-Governing Territories.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I would like to assure you of my delegation’s full support to you and to the work of the committee.”
**1424