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Chapter Two
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Although Palau has
its own flag, it is
still a territory of
the United States.
The Future of the Trusteeship Council
On November 1, 1994, the Trusteeship Council had its last meeting. Palau
had become self-governing a month before, and the Council’s job was
done. Although the regulations of the Trusteeship Council stated they must
meet at least once a year,the Council decided to change this rule and meet
only if necessary.
Although the Trusteeship Council no longer has a job to do,it cannot be
completely disbanded without changing the Charter of the United Nations.
Also, different people and groups have different ideas about how to deal
with the Trusteeship Council.One committee recommended that the Trust-
eeship Council should take over administration of those areas belonging
to no one nation, such as Antarctica, the oceans, the atmosphere, and
outer space.On the other hand,UN Secretary General Kofi Annan stated in
March of 2005 that he would like to make large changes to the entire struc-
ture of the United Nations. One of these would be to eliminate the Trustee-
ship Council completely.To do so, the UN would have to amend its charter,
which has been a sticking point blocking the elimination of the council.