Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad to Address United Nations Security Council Meeting Regarding the Ivory Coast, New York, United States of America Monday, 28 March 2005

Pretoria - Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, accompanied by legal advisor to President Thabo Mbeki, Advocate Mojunku Gumbi, will address the United Nations Security Council Meeting regarding the Ivory Coast on Monday, 28 March 2005 in New York, United States of America.

Deputy Minister Pahad will present a report to the United Nations Security Council regarding President Mbeki's mediation efforts in the Ivory Coast.

President Mbeki was mandated by the African Union and ECOWAS in November 2004 to assist the people of the Ivory Coast find a political solution to their current challenges.

In pursuance of this mandate, President Mbeki has held numerous discussions with leaders of various political formations in the Ivory Coast. These discussions have led to the development of a roadmap for peace in the Ivory Coast.

In this context, President Mbeki will host discussions in Pretoria on Sunday, 3 April 2005 that are expected to be attended by among others, Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, Alassane Outtara, former President Henri Konan and rebel leader Guillaume Soro.

Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad will return to South Africa on Wednesday, 30 March 2005.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
? Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
27 March 2005