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South African Government's Statement
on Comments Attributed to the Interim Prime Minister
of Haiti
The South African Government takes strong exception
to reported comments attributed to the Interim Haitian
Prime Minister Gerard Latortue accusing President Thabo
Mbeki of failing to respect international law by allegedly
"allowing a person in his territory to organise
violence in another country". The comment, if true,
has no factual basis, says Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad
The South African Government agreed to host President
Jean Bertrand Aristide in South Africa as a visitor
of the government pending the resolution of the political
situation in Haiti. This followed a request by CARICOM
through the AU and in full consultation with both the
UN, USA and France, said Deputy Minister Pahad
The South African Government has always maintained
the view that none but the people of Haiti acting in
dialogue among their political representatives and assisted
by CARICOM, can develop a long lasting solution to their
current political and economic problems. Accordingly,
South Africa and indeed President Mbeki cannot be used
as a scapegoat for failure by the Interim Haitian Authorities
to bring about peace and stability to Haiti.
In this regard the Haitian Interim Authorities would
do well to create a climate conducive for the restoration
of democracy and for the voice of the people of Haiti
to be heard, continued Deputy Minister Pahad.
The South African Government rejects with contempt
the attack on the integrity of President Mbeki and dismisses
the insinuation that its territory is being used as
a springboard by President Jean Bertrand Aristide to
destabilise Haiti through violent means. No evidence
exists to back up the claim that President Aristide
is involved in any activities aimed at the destabilisation
of Haiti, concluded Deputy Minister Pahad.
Issued By Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
18 October 2004.
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