Security Council (UNSC)
2 January 2007
Pretoria - South Africa today, Tuesday, 2 January 2007, officially assumes
its seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council
following elections held on 16 October 2006 in the United Nations General
Assembly.
In this regard Minister Dlamini Zuma, supported by the Director-General Dr
Ayanda Ntsaluba and Deputy Director-General George Nene, will be visiting New
York on Monday, 8 January 2007. During this visit, there will be a debate in
the Security Council, under the Chairpersonship of the Russian Federation on
threats to international peace and security.
On Wednesday, 10 January 2007, Minister Dlamini Zuma will hand over South
Africa's Chairpersonship of the Group of 77 + China (G-77 + China) to Pakistan
in a ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters, which will be attended by
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, President of the
61st Session of the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General of the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Supachai Panitchpakdi and
the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Kemal
Davis.
The South African government reiterates comments made by Minister Dlamini
Zuma on South Africa's election to the Security Council in which she
stated:
"South Africa is greatly privileged and honoured by its election by the
general membership of the United Nations to serve on the UN Security Council in
a non-permanent capacity."
"In this regard, SA extends its gratitude to the peoples and government of
Africa and the world for the confidence bestowed upon us to serve the people of
our continent and indeed the world in the UN Security Council."
"Accordingly, and on behalf of President Thabo Mbeki, the government and
people of South Africa we humbly accept the mandate thrust upon us by the
people's of Africa, the South and the world in general in electing us to this
position of responsibility."
"We do so conscious and convinced that the multilateral system of global
governance remains the only hope for challenges facing humanity today."
"As a consequence, thereof, we declare our readiness and preparedness to
serve the peoples of Africa, the South and the World in this capacity."
"South Africa, commits itself thus, fully cognisant of the challenges that
will certainly arise from the responsibilities that will attend to the
membership of the UN Security Council as an instrument of our collective peace
and security."
"In pursuance thereof, South Africa will strive in conjunction with the
African Union, to create synergies between the work of the African Union Peace
and Security Council and the UN Security Council with a view to the prevention
of outbreaks of violence and conflict in the continent of Africa."
"We shall work with all members of the Security Council, and regional
organisations in pursuit of peace and stability in all regions of the world
especially in the Middle East."
"In addition, South Africa shall continue to work with all members of the
United Nations General Assembly in pursuit of the comprehensive reform of the
United Nations, including the reform and expansion of the United Nations
Security Council."
For further information, please contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
2 January 2007
Source: SAPA
