Statement by
Ambassador Adiyatwidi Adiwoso Asmady
Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia

before
Special Political and Decolonization Committee
(Fourth Committee)
On Agenda item 20
Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

New York, 5 October 2004

Mr.Chairman,

Let me first of all congratulate you upon your election as the Chair of the Committee. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the other members of the Bureau. My delegation is pleased to assure you of its support and commitment in your work throughout this session.

Mr.Chairman,

Indonesia attaches great importance to the full implementation of the resolutions on the Declaration on the Granting of independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Indeed, our constitution solemnly states that independence is the right of all nations. Since the historic adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of resolutions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV), most of the 114 territories subject to the United Nations Trusteeship Agreements or listed by the General Assembly as non-self governing since 1945, have been resolved either through independence, integration or free association. However, with 16 Non Self Governing Territories remaining on the United Nations list, the job remains incomplete. It is the duty of the United Nations and the international community to bring the process of decolonisation to a successful conclusion.

In this regard, Mr. Chairman, my delegation is pleased to note that as we approach the half way mark of the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, which ends in 2010, there is a new urgency to bring a speedy and unconditional end to colonialism with regard to the 16 remaining Non Governing Territories, thereby ensuring to a successful closure to the mandate of the Committee and the entire issue of Non-Governing Territories.

In this regard, therefore, we are in line with the proposal by the Special Committee that a midterm review of the implementation of the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism be undertaken in 2005.

Indeed, my delegation would also associates with the recommendation made by the Special Committee on its meeting, February 2004, that the General Assembly renew its appeal to the administrating powers to become involved with the work of the Special Committee in the discharge of its mandate. In particular, the Administrating Powers should participate actively in the work relating to the territories under their mandate, as well as to allow representative of the Territories concerned to participate in the discussion of the Fourth Committee.

My delegation has always shared the view that because each decolonization scenario has special characteristics, no universal criteria can be applied. This is why, in resolving the remaining 16 situations, we have always been committed to a case by case approach.

Mr. Chairman,

In the view of my delegation, this task certainly calls for the commitment and cooperation of all the parties involved, with particular reference to the United Nations and the specialized agencies, we would like to see further cooperation between the agencies not only in terms of strengthening their efforts, but also in manpower and educational development programmes in these territories. Such programmes, we believe, will greatly help the local manpower needs of the territories and peoples when they finally enjoy self-determination. It is our hope that the Committee will be able to find ways of cooperating with the specialized agencies of the United Nations in this respect.

While Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the role, capacity, effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations, it will continue to play an active role in the Committee towards improving its performance and realizing its full potential, as well as responding more effectively to the needs and challenges of the future.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.