South Africa assumes Non-Permanent Seat on UN Security Council

Pretoria - South Africa today Tuesday 2 January 2007 officially assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following elections held on 16 October 2006 in the United Nations General Assembly.

In this regard Minister Dlamini Zuma, supported by the Director-General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba and Deputy Director-General George Nene, will be visiting New York on Monday 8 January 2007. During this visit, there will be a debate in the Security Council, under the Chairpersonship of the Russian Federation on threats to international peace and security.

On Wednesday 10 January 2007 Minister Dlamini Zuma will hand over South Africa's Chairpersonship of the Group of 77 + China (G-77 + China) to Pakistan in a ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters which will be attended by Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa President of the 61st Session of the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General of UNCTAD Supachai Panitchpakdi and the Administrator of the UNDP Kemal Davis.

The South African government reiterates comments made by Minister Dlamini Zuma on South Africa's election to the Security Council in which she stated:

"South Africa is greatly privileged and honoured by its election by the general membership of the United Nations to serve on the UN Security Council in a non-permanent capacity."

"In this regard, SA extends its gratitude to the peoples and government of Africa and the world for the confidence bestowed upon us to serve the people of our continent and indeed the world in the UN Security Council."

"Accordingly, and on behalf of President Thabo Mbeki, the government and people of South Africa we humbly accept the mandate thrust upon us by the peoples of Africa, the South and the world in general in electing us to this position of responsibility."

"We do so conscious and convinced that the multilateral system of global governance remains the only hope for challenges facing humanity today."

"As a consequence, thereof, we declare our readiness and preparedness to serve the peoples of Africa, the South and the World in this capacity."

"South Africa, commits itself thus, fully cognisant of the challenges that will certainly arise from the responsibilities that will attend to the membership of the UN Security Council as an instrument of our collective peace and security."

"In pursuance thereof, South Africa will strive in conjunction with the African Union, to create synergies between the work of the African Union Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council with a view to the prevention of outbreaks of violence and conflict in the continent of Africa."

"We shall work with all members of the Security Council, and regional organisations in pursuit of peace and stability in all regions of the world especially in the Middle East."

"In addition, South Africa shall continue to work with all members of the United Nations General Assembly in pursuit of the comprehensive reform of the United Nations including the reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council."

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

2 January 2007