Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS RETURNS FROM ALGERIA AFTER MEETING WITH PRESIDENT LIAMINE ZEROUAL.
Returning on Monday morning from his special mission to Algeria where he handed a special message from President Mandela to President Zeroual, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad reiterated South Africa's continued support for the move towards democracy in Algeria, manifested by the December democratic presidential elections, and the Government of National Unity's unequivocal condemnation of all acts of terrorism.
The meeting recently between President Mandela and a "representative" of the Algerian organisation FIS did not signal an intention by South Africa to interfere in the internal affairs of Algeria and our relations with Algeria would not be tarnished by this meeting. Further impetus to these relations would be the signing of a Joint Bilateral Agreement of Cooperation between the two countries as soon as possible which would help develop the many areas of common interest, especially in the economic field, where a great deal of potential existed for the private sectors of the two countries.
Mr Pahad also conveyed to President Zeroual the appreciation of President Mandela for the support Algeria had shown him personally as well as to the people of South Africa during the long years of liberation struggle and the intention of now strengthening the formal relations between the two countries.
The meeting between President mandela and Mr Anwar Haddam had now been fully explained to the Algerian Government. The misrepresentation by Mr Haddam of the meeting has been cleared. As indicated by Foreign Minister Nzo on February 21, South Africa had regarded the meeting as having taken place within the context of South Africa's stance on the issues of democracy, human rights and conflict prevention and resolution. Mr Pahad expressed his satisfaction that his trip had facilitated a greater understanding of the dynamics within our respective countries and also within our regions.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 26 FEBRUARY 1996