Minister Dlamini Zuma rejects Suggestions that SA has made a U-Turn on Nuclear Stance

In response to media queries regarding the suggestion by a Correspondent of  a daily Johannesburg newspaper that SA has made a u-turn on nuclear stance, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma wishes to put the following on record:

“The suggestion that the government has made a u-turn on its nuclear stance is not borne by any evidence, empirical data or facts but remains a figment of the imagination of those who thus suggest, said Minister Dlamini Zuma

“ South Africa remains totally opposed to all weapons of mass destruction and has called for their total elimination in all international forums. In this regard and following the recent India-Brazil-SA Summit of Heads of State and Government, the  three leaders “emphasised their commitment to the goal of the complete elimination of nuclear weapons and expressed concern over the lack of progress in the realisation of this goal” (IBSA Tshwane Declaration 2007).

It is also suggested that South Africa finessed this position now. However this has been the traditional position of IBSA and is also reflected in the IBSA 2006 Declaration.

Secondly insofar as the suggestion that the three countries reserve their right to manufacture their nuclear fuel in the future, the suggestion fails to take into account the fact that India has for decades manufactured nuclear fuel whilst Brazil  has already embarked on uranium enrichment.

“ South Africa remains opposed to the view that the right to peaceful nuclear technology should be a preserve of the rich and powerful to the exclusion of the majority countries depriving the have-nots in perpetuity. The right to the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes is enshrined in Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and this right cannot be unilaterally abrogated by anyone” continued Minister Dlamini Zuma

In this context, the three leaders of IBSA reiterated “the importance of ensuring that any multilateral decisions related to the nuclear fuel cycle do not undermine the inalienable right of states to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with their international  legal obligations” concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
 26 October 2007.