A/RES/48/50 Page 2 Noting also, in this context, the importance of equitable economic and social development, as well as continued dialogue among the parties involved in New Caledonia in the preparation of the act of self-determination of New Caledonia, Welcoming the positive outcome of the mid-term review of the Matignon Accords in February 1993 and the continuing support for the process by the new French Government, Noting the holding of the Pacific Regional Seminar at Port Moresby, from 8 to 10 June 1993, to examine the political, economic and social situation in small island Non-Self-Governing Territories, Noting with satisfaction the intensification of contacts between New Caledonia and neighbouring countries of the South Pacific region, 1. Approves the chapter of the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples relating to New Caledonia; 1/ 2. Urges all the parties involved, in the interest of all the people of New Caledonia and building on the positive outcome of the mid-term review of the Matignon Accords, to maintain their dialogue in a spirit of harmony; 3. Invites all the parties involved to continue promoting a framework for the peaceful progress of the Territory towards an act of self-determination in which all options are open and which would safeguard the rights of all New Caledonians according to the letter and the spirit of the Matignon Accords, which are based on the principle that it is for the populations of New Caledonia to choose how to control their destiny; 4. Welcomes recent and impending measures to strengthen and diversify the New Caledonian economy in all fields; 5. Also welcomes the call by the parties to the Matignon Accords for greater progress in housing, employment, training, education and health care in New Caledonia; 6. Commends the decision to establish a Melanesian cultural centre as a contribution to preserving the indigenous culture of New Caledonia; 7. Notes the recent positive initiatives aimed at protecting New Caledonia’s natural environment, notably the "Zonéco" operation designed to map and evaluate marine resources within the economic zone of New Caledonia; 8. Acknowledges the close links between New Caledonia and the peoples of the South Pacific and the positive actions being taken by the French authorities to facilitate the further development of those links, including the development of closer relations with the member countries of the South Pacific Forum; 9. Welcomes in particular, in this regard, recent high-level visits to New Caledonia by delegations from countries of the Pacific region; /...