Minister Dlamini Zuma to host Sinn Fein Leader, Gerry Adams, Tshwane, South Africa

Tshwane - South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will host the leader of Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams for discussions at the Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane on Tuesday, 18 October 2005. Gerry Adams is on a special visit to South Africa from Tuesday - Friday, 18-21 October 2005.

This visit follows the recent historic decision by the IRA, in response to the courageous and far-sighted call made by Gerry Adams in April 2005, to end the armed struggle and put all of its weapons beyond use.

With the announcement by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning that the IRA had destroyed the totality of its arsenal, the stage has now been set for a revival of the peace process and for creating a lasting peace after many decades of a protracted struggle.

A core focus of the visit will be the sharing of experiences on decommissioning and disarmament, and particularly the lessons that could be learnt from the various peace processes in Africa. In this context, it should be noted that the decommissioning of arms has become a key element of conflict resolution world-wide.

Discussions with Minister Dlamini Zuma on Tuesday, 18 October 2005 will focus on, amongst others, the latest developments in the peace process and the next steps on the road to implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

While in South Africa, Mr Adams is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Thabo Mbeki, hold discussions with Minister Ronnie Kasrils and other prominent South Africans.

He will also lay a wreath at Freedom Park, before presenting a keynote address at the South African Institute of International Affairs in Johannesburg on Wednesday 19 October at 16h00.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001

17 October 2005