24 May 2004

United Nations says Pacific decolonisation not complete

7:29 am on 24 May 2004

The United Nations Secretary General has sent a message to Pacific delegates that the process of decolonisation is still not complete.

Representatives from Pacific Island countries meeting in Madang in Papua New Guinea heard the message delivered on behalf of Kofi Annan.

Mr Annan's statement said it remains the duty of the United Nations and the international community to bring the process of decolonization to a successful conclusion.

He said 16 territories are still on the UN list of non-self-governing territories

Mr Annan said cooperation was essential for there to be progress in discharging the mandate of the Special Committee on Decolonisation.