9 Jun 2011

American Samoa seeks end to UN decolonisation process

1:11 pm on 9 June 2011

American Samoa has called on the United Nations Committee on Decolonisation to persuade the United States to bring about an end to the territory's decolonisation process.

It says this is serious business and should not be permitted to drag on for additional decades.

A statement from Governor Togiola Tulafono was presented at the latest seminar on the eradication of colonialism in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by the Deputy Director of Commerce Lelei Peau.

The governor said that American Samoa 's desire to be removed from the UN's list of colonies remains but the territory is more concerned about how it can progress politically and economically while respecting the concerns of the United States and UN.

He said American Samoa wants political and economic advancement but the US does not want the UN encroaching upon its sovereignty regarding US territories.