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Statement by Deputy Minister Pahad following
Meeting of the Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee
of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security
Co-Operation
A South African delegation led by Deputy Minister Aziz
Pahad, attended a meeting of the Inter-State Politics
and Diplomacy Committee of the SADC Organ on Politics,
Defence and Security Co-operation, in Lusaka, Zambia
on Friday, 11 June 2004.
Deputy Minister Pahad said, "the meeting was very
constructive and took important decisions that will
make a major contribution to peace and stability in
our continent and to democracy, good governance and
anti-corruption."
The meeting expressed concern at the recent developments
in Bukava and other parts of the eastern region, which
could revive the cycle of violence and impact negatively
on the peace process.
In addition, the meeting condemned the attempted coup
in Kinshasa on Thursday, 10 June 2004.
Deputy Minister Pahad said, "the meeting reaffirmed
that SADC will not accept any unconstitutional change
of government in the region and warned that SADC had
a collective understanding to maintain the security
and political stability of the region within the framework
of the protocol on Political, Defence and Security Co-operation
and the Mutual Defence Pact.
The meeting warned any possible coup plotter that SADC
reserved the right to intervene against any unconstitutional
change of government."
The meeting decided to send a delegation to help normalise
and stabilise the situation and to support efforts to
ensure that the agreements are implemented.
The meeting discussed the draft document on "Principles
and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections,"
and agreed that this document should be finalised and
presented to the Ministerial Committee of the Organ
for consideration, before being submitted to Summit.
The meeting discussed the region's initiatives to fight
corruption within the framework of the Protocol Against
Corruption and concluded that these actions will foster
good public and corporate governance in the region.
Deputy Minister Pahad said, "the meeting reflected
SADC's collective commitment to peace and stability,
democracy and good governance and sent out a clear message
that decisive action will be taken against any coup
plotters."
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
14 June 2004
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