mechanisms stipulated in the Covenant were beginning to bear fru,it. Final agreement on future financial assistance guarantees under the Cov,enant was close. 78. The Special Representative’said that his Government supported expeditious termination of the Trusteeship Agreement in the in'terest of Micronesia. The people of the Northern Mariana Islands approached the prospect of full membership.in the United States political family with every hope and expectation that the Administering Authority would continue,to assist them to develop social, political and 'economic resources that would support self-sufficiency. However, some of the fundamental issues he had outl.ined had ,not yet’ been resolved. The people Of the Northern Mariana Islands believed that the short’ transition period before trusteeship termination .was uniquely suitable to, address those persistent issues. They hoped that tangible progress would be made before the Trusteeship Council met to consider the specifics of the termination, of the Trusteeship Agreement. ! 79. Mr. Alfonso R. Oiterong, Vice-President of Palau and’Specia1 Representative of the Administerin,q Authority, stated that among Palau’s priority needs was the developm,ent of the infrastructure on the island of Babelthuap, the second largest island in Micronesia and the site of the new capital. There were, few roads on Babelthuap and power and water ‘supply facilities had yet to be built. Palau was confident that thbse needs would be ful’filled with the help of the Administering Authority. I 80. The Special Representative said ‘that many Palauan high-school‘graduates continued to attend colleqes ,.in the United States and Guam and that a good many returned ‘to Palau on completion of their education. ’ 81. Palau had requested the University of Papua New Guinea and the University of the South ,Pacific to relax foreign stud,ent quota requirements with respect to Palauan students. The specialised courses offered ‘in those two institutions were especially relevant to Palau’s needs, * 
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the development and preparation of the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau for self-sufficiency and independence, specifically highlighting infrastructure, education, and economic development. The mention of roads, power and water supply facilities, and the development of infrastructure on the island of Babelthuap suggests a focus on economic development and infrastructure. Additionally, the discussion of education, including the attendance of Palauan students in foreign universities and the request to relax foreign student quota requirements, indicates a focus on education.

**Category**
Economic development, Education