The South African Government Statement on Developments in Lybia

The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with great concern the recent developments in Libya – including the killing of the son and grandchildren of the Leader of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Col Muammar Gaddafi.

South Africa maintains that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1973 does not address itself to the assassination of individuals and officials.

The Resolution is in line with the recommendations of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The AUPSC expressed its conviction that the current situation in Libya calls for an urgent African action to achieve the following:

• The immediate cessation of all hostilities
  
• The cooperation with, and among, the competent Libyan authorities to facilitate the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to the needy populations
  
• The protection of foreign nationals, including the African migrants living in Libya
  
• The adoption and implementation of the political reforms necessary for the elimination of the causes of the current crisis.

South Africa once again maintains that the Libyans must be afforded the opportunity to decide their own leaders in negotiations conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner.

The attacks on leaders and officials can only result in the escalation of tensions and conflicts on all sides and make future reconciliation difficult.

We reiterate that Resolution 1973 must be implemented in its letter and spirit, without giving and impression that there are other motives at play, including regime change.

We call for restraint and appeal to Libyan parties to preserve life and property. The emphasis should be on the protection of Libyan civilians.

For further information please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Pretoria

2 May 2011