A/RES/53/65 Page 3 9. Welcomes measures that have been taken to strengthen and diversify the New Caledonian economy in all fields, and encourages further such measures in accordance with the spirit of the Matignon and Nouméa Accords; 10. Also welcomes the importance attached by the parties to the Matignon and Nouméa Accords to greater progress in housing, employment, training, education and health care in New Caledonia; 11. Acknowledges the contribution of the Melanesian Cultural Centre to the protection of the indigenous culture of New Caledonia; 12. Notes the positive initiatives aimed at protecting the natural environment of New Caledonia, notably the “Zonéco” operation designed to map and evaluate marine resources within the economic zone of New Caledonia; 13. Acknowledges the close links between New Caledonia and the peoples of the South Pacific and the positive actions being taken by the French and territorial authorities to facilitate the further development of those links, including the development of closer relations with the countries members of the South Pacific Forum; 14. Welcomes, in particular, in this regard, continuing high-level visits to New Caledonia by delegations from countries of the Pacific region and high-level visits by delegations from New Caledonia to countries members of the South Pacific Forum; 15. Decides to keep under continuous review the process unfolding in New Caledonia as a result of the signing of the Nouméa Accord; 16. Requests the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to continue the examination of this question at its next session and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its fiftyfourth session. 78th plenary meeting 3 December 1998