A/RES/56/71 partners to assist Tokelau in balancing its desire to be self-reliant to the greatest extent possible with its need for external assistance; 12. Notes the special challenge inherent in the situation of Tokelau, among the smallest of the small Territories, and how a Territory’s exercise of its inalienable right to self-determination may be brought closer, as in the case of Tokelau, by the meeting of that challenge in innovative ways; 13. Welcomes the assurance of the Government of New Zealand that it will meet its obligations to the United Nations with respect to Tokelau and abide by the freely expressed wishes of the people of Tokelau with regard to their future status; 14. Also welcomes the application by Tokelau, with the full support of New Zealand, for associate membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and its application for full membership in the Forum Fisheries Agency; 15. Calls upon the administering Power and United Nations agencies to continue to provide assistance to Tokelau as it further develops its economy and governance structures in the context of its ongoing constitutional evolution; 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 to examine the question of the Non-SelfGoverning Territory of Tokelau and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its fifty-seventh session. 82nd plenary meeting 10 December 2001 3