South African Government confirms reporting the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ship to the United Nations.

The South African Government has taken note of media interest and reports on the search and seizure of military equipment on board a vessel from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) destined for the Republic of Congo. The South Africa Government wishes to place  on record that the shipment of this nature is in contravention of the UN Resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009) which prohibit the supply, sale, transfer or export of, inter alia, all arms and related material from the DPRK.

South Africa is required by the UNSC Resolution 1847 of 2009 to submit promptly reports containing relevant details to the UNSC Committee on the DPRK established pursuant to Resolution 1718 on the inspection, seizure and disposal of the sanctioned goods.

The South Africa Government wishes to re-affirm its commitment to the rule of international law and strengthening of the global governance system as the only mechanism to advance peace and security in the world. In this regard the Government will, as the member of the United Nations, continue to contribute to efforts to prevent the production and proliferation of illicit weapons that could endanger the lives of world citizens and create conditions of insecurity and instability in some regions of the world.

For more information contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr. Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 1647.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
PRETORIA
0001

26 February 2010