Media Statement on South Africa’s Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, 2 April 2008

Pretoria - South Africa holds the rotating Presidency of the United Nations Security Council during April 2008. In this capacity, South Africa is responsible for helping to prepare the agenda of the Council for the month in consultation with other Council members, chairing meetings of the Security Council and acting as the Council's official contact point for UN Member States, the media and civil society. The Presidency also offers an opportunity to promote a theme that is of particular regional or national importance.

South Africa has decided to utilise this, its second Presidency of the Security Council, to continue exploring the theme introduced during its first Presidency in March 2007 on strengthening the relationship between the United Nations and regional organisations, in particular the African Union, in the maintenance of international peace and security. The focus of South Africa’s interventions will, therefore, be on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union and on working towards the peaceful resolution of conflict situations in Africa.

As it carries out its mandate as President of the Council, South Africa remains committed to consulting with interested Member States - and in particular those affected by conflict situations that are on the agenda of the Security Council - and civil society in the maintenance of international peace and security.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will host a special press conference on 2 April to provide background information on the full programme of work of the Security Council for the month of April 2008, including South Africa’s initiative on cooperation between the AU and the UN.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

01 April 2008