South African Government Reaction to the War Against Iraq

1. South Africa regrets the war. War is not a solution to world problems. This unilateral resort to force is compounded by the fact progress was being made in dealing with the matter of disarmament of Iraq with regard to any weapons of mass destruction.
2. It sets a regrettable precedence which undermines the authority of the UN in dealing global affairs
3. It is unfortunate the action will result in the loss of life of ordinary Iraqis and all others involved in the conflict-a tragic consequence of the failure of negotiations and diplomacy.
4. South Africa calls on the UN to assert its authority to ensure that whatever action is undertaken is within the rules of international humanitarian law.

Impact on South Africa
1. The government has examined contingency measures to deal with any adverse consequences of the action in Iraq on our country and it will ensure where possible, their impact is minimised.
2. An inter-departmental task team has been set up to address evacuation of our missions as and when this becomes necessary.
3. We also wish to advise South Africans not to visit the Gulf Region in this period.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Issued by Department of foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
20 March 2003.