Minister Dlamini Zuma's statement on South Africa's ascendancy to the Presidency of the UN Security Council

South Africa is today, Thursday 1 March 2007 humbled to assume the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. In this regard, we are honoured to serve the peoples of Africa, the South, and the world at large in this capacity.

"Coming two months after our assumption of the non permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council, this major responsibility within the Security Council is indeed an honour for both the government and people of South Africa.

"We assume this responsibility fully aware of the current global political situation and will thus work with all members of the Security Council to ensure a collective response to these global challenges within the context of our firmly held view that the United Nations must remain central to the resolution of challenges facing humanity today," said Minister Dlamini Zuma.

"Accordingly South Africa commits itself to consulting with all members of the Security Council - both permanent and non-permanent - in the execution of this global responsibility to ensure the maintenance of international peace and security," continued Minister Dlamini Zuma.

"In pursuance of this global mandate thrust upon us by the membership of the Security Council, our representatives in the United Nations are currently in consultations with all members of the Security Council with a view to finalising the agenda of the Security Council which will guide the work of the Council for the month of March. We wish them well in their endevours," concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

1 March 2007