A/RES/60/116 successful cooperation for decolonization, Tokelau has wider significance for the United Nations as it seeks to complete its work in decolonization, Recalling that New Zealand and Tokelau signed in November 2003 a document entitled “Joint statement of the principles of partnership”, which sets out in writing, for the first time, the rights and obligations of the two partner countries, Bearing in mind the decision of the General Fono at its meeting in November 2003, following extensive consultations undertaken in all three villages, to explore formally with New Zealand the option of self-government in free association, and its decision in August 2005 to hold a referendum on self-government on the basis of a draft constitution for Tokelau and a treaty of free association with New Zealand, Notes that Tokelau remains firmly committed to the development of self1. government and to an act of self-determination that would result in Tokelau assuming a status in accordance with the options on future status for Non-SelfGoverning Territories contained in principle VI of the annex to General Assembly resolution 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960; Welcomes the substantial progress made towards the devolution of power 2. to the three taupulega (village councils), in particular the delegation of the Administrator’s powers to the three taupulega with effect from 1 July 2004 and the assumption by each taupulega from that date of full responsibility for the management of all its public services; Recalls the decision of the General Fono in November 2003, following 3. extensive consultations in all three villages and a meeting of the Special Committee on the Constitution of Tokelau, to explore formally with New Zealand the option of self-government in free association, and the discussions between Tokelau and New Zealand pursuant to the General Fono decision; Welcomes the decision of the General Fono in August 2005 to hold a 4. referendum on self-government on the basis of a draft constitution for Tokelau and a treaty of free association with New Zealand, and notes the General Fono’s enactment of rules for the referendum; Notes that it is the wish of Tokelau, supported by New Zealand, that the 5. United Nations monitor the referendum; 6. Acknowledges Tokelau’s initiative in devising a strategic economic development plan for the period 2002-2004 to advance its capacity for selfgovernment, and notes that a plan for the period 2005-2007 has been finalized; Also acknowledges the continuing assistance that New Zealand has 7. committed to promoting Tokelau’s welfare, as well as the cooperation of the United Nations Development Programme, including the relief and recovery assistance provided in the aftermath of Cyclone Percy earlier this year; Further acknowledges Tokelau’s need for continued reassurance, given 8. the cultural adjustments that are taking place with the strengthening of its capacity for self-government and, since local resources cannot adequately cover the material side of self-determination, the ongoing responsibility of Tokelau’s external partners to assist Tokelau in balancing its desire to be self-reliant to the greatest extent possible with its need for external assistance; Welcomes the establishment of the Tokelau International Trust Fund to 9. support the future development needs of Tokelau and the facilitation of this process through a donor round table to be convened by the United Nations Development 2