A. 16 June 1976
Today marks the 35th Anniversary of 16 June 1976 student revolt against Apartheid education – it is therefore fitting to salute our youths in SA and the youths of the world as agents of change.
B. COP17/CMP7
- As the next President of the COP17/CMP7, we are reaching-out to all parties and stakeholders in the climate change negotiations;
- Our task remains: ensure that country parties to the UNFCCC deliver an acceptable, fair, transparent and equitable deal in the upcoming climate change negotiations in Durban.
- We had the opportunity to interact with the G77 and China, the UN Climate Change team, including a Group of Climate Friends (to share views and exchange notes);
- We are encouraged to learn that progress is being made at the Bonn negotiations in a number of bodies of the UNFCCC;
- We need enhanced cooperation between the UNFCCC Secretariat and the COP17/CMP7 Presidency to ensure that we deliver positive outcomes in Durban; and
- Principles of inclusivity, wide participation and transparency will continue to characterise our processes as COP17/CMP7 President;
We need to focus our un-divided attention to:
- achieving a balance between the Bali Roadmap and operationalising the Cancun Agreements; as well as
- striking a balance between and within both the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol negotiating tracks.
NB: The onus to deliver an acceptable climate change outcome in Durban rests on South Africa as the incoming COP17/CMP7 President, but the role of state parties cannot be over-emphasised.
NB: A Leaders Dialogue to be here in September and co-chaired by President Jacob Zuma and President Calderon of Mexico – will set the tone as we move towards Durban.
C. LIBYA
South Africa:
- is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict and the unprecedented loss of civilian lives in Libya
- Condemns the violence against civilians perpetrated by all parties as well as the damage to civilian infrastructure
- calls on the international community, including the UNSC to focus its energies on finding a political solution to the Libyan crisis and not a military one
- calls on the UN to work in collaboration with the AU on the basis of its Roadmap
- calls for a ceasefire, a pause which will enable a political process to take root
- maintains that Resolution 1973 was adopted to primarily to protect civilians and ensure access to humanitarian aid, and not about regime change and assassinations
- believes the implementation of Resolution 1973 should not go against the letter and spirit of what was initially intended and
- is disappointed that the UNSC was unable to agree on the Presidential Statement today, but we nevertheless remain optimistic.
