Statement on Speculation regarding South Africa's Announcement on the United Nations Security Council Seat

On Friday, 24 September 2004, South Africa announced its readiness to serve as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council and thereby serve the people of Africa and the world.

Since the announcement by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and President Thabo Mbeki's remarks on the matter, a number of articles speculating on the motives for our announcement and countries that may support South Africa in this regard have appeared in the media.

Speculation on such a sensitive matter is both unfortunate and regrettable. It reflects the views of the authors and their sources and not the information at the disposal of government.

The government disassociates itself from this speculation.

South Africa wishes to reaffirm that its announcement in this regard is a consequence of current debates in the United Nations regarding the restructuring of the Security Council and a response to many African countries and others outside our Continent who have inquired about the willingness of South Africa to serve as a Permanent Member of the restructured Security Council.

Africa has always been convinced of the need for two permanent seats in a restructured Security Council. Accordingly, our announcement does not represent competition against any other African country or countries.

South Africa will continue to work with the Continent to ensure the outcome of this process is in the best interests of the people of Africa and the world.

In this context, South Africa reiterates that it stands ready to serve as a Permanent Member of the restructured United Nations Security Council fully sensitive to the need to respect the interests and aspirations of all countries and peoples, and the imperative to build an equitable and humane global order.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

26 September 2004