South Africa's Decision to Close Iraqi Missions to be Guided by UN

Cabinet says its response to a United States request to close down Iraqi diplomatic missions in Pretoria will be guided by relevant decisions taken by the United Nations (UN).

A formal response to this effect will be communicated to the US administration. Government's decision on the US request follows the US-led war against Iraq, to rid Baghdad of weapons of mass destruction. However, Baghdad has since denied that it possess such weapons.

'South Africa's approach on this matter is premised on the principle of multilateralism and the provisions of the Vienna Convention,' said Cabinet today.

Cabinet re-affirmed its position that all international conflicts should be resolved through multilateralism organisations such as the UN.

'Cabinet noted the continuing war in Iraq and re-affirmed South Africa's preference for the resolution of international tensions by peaceful means,' said Cabinet.

Cabinet also said it regretted the loss of lives in the war and called on the United Nations to ensure that international humanitarian law on the conduct of war was observed.

Source: Bua News (Compiled by GCIS)

3 April 2003