SA’s lobbying for the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2011-2012 gains momentum

Since arriving on Tuesday, 21 September 2010, in the United States for the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane moved the country’s lobbying for the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2011 to 2012 to a higher projectory by holding bilateral meetings with numerous countries – seeking their firm commitment to supporting South Africa’s candidature during the UNSC elections that will be taking place on 12 October 2010. South Africa’s bid has been endorsed by the African Union (AU).

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane has held meetings with, among others, the United States’ Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Mr Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla; Palestinian Foreign Minister, Mr Riyad al-Malki; Japan’s Foreign Minister, Mr Seiji Maehara; and Portugal’s Foreign Minister, Mr Luis Amando.

In her meetings, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane argued that South Africa was the best candidate for the seat as it always prioritises peace and security, domestically and internationally, seeing it as a precursor to economic and social development, for itself, the continent and indeed developing countries throughout the world. South Africa remains committed to the consolidation of the African agenda and supports multilateral and bilateral co-operation, with a view to ensuring a better Africa and a better world for all who live in it. Since 1994, the country has contributed to the maintenance of international peace and security, inter alia, through active participation in UN and regional peacekeeping missions and mediation efforts. South Africa previously served on the UNSC from 2007-2008 when it built itself a strong reputation and track-record as an ‘agent of change’. The country is a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council for 2010-2011.

The Minister asserted South Africa had made and will continue to make a significant contribution to deepening the relationship and cooperation between the UNSC and the African Union Peace and Security Council and will encourage co-operation with other regional organisations. It will make a substantive and positive contribution to the work of the UNSC and the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.

South Africa supports the promotion of equal distribution of power and influence in the global political and economic systems, with a belief in rules-based multilateralism; the primacy of the United Nations (UN) in global security matters; sustainable development; free and fair trade; and an equitable international economic order. The country is committed to the strengthening of continental institutions which are critical in responding to the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment as well as peace, security and stability on the continent.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane concluded by affirming that South Africa supports the legitimacy of all organs of the United Nations and therefore believes that line function issues, inter alia, human rights, economic, international peace and security, should be dealt with by the appropriate forum. The country remains deeply committed to the achieving global priorities with a view to ensuring a better world for all who live in it. It, as the first and only nuclear enabled country to voluntarily dismantle its programme remains committed to a nuclear-free world while supporting the use of nuclear energy for peace purposes including energy generation .

For more information, please contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi on  082 940 1647  082 940 1647 ,  +27 12 351 0083  +27 12 351 0083 or e-mail him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
Soutpansberg Road
RIETONDALE
Pretoria, RSA
0002

23 September 2010