Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT
In acknowledgement of the momentous and positive change in the political and legal regimes in South Africa, the United States Government has worked cooperatively with the South African Government to resolve outstanding charges regarding Armscor, Kentron and Fuchs, for violations of US laws that enforced the arms embargo against South Africa.
Ever since a federal grand jury in the US indicated Armscor, Kentron and Fuchs in 1991 for violations of US export control laws, the South African and United States Governments, as well as entities involved in the case, have conducted negotiations to resolve these cases.
In July 1996, Deputy President Thabo Mbeki and Vice President Gore agreed on a political framework to guide negotiators in reaching a settlement. Subsequently, the US Department of Justice negotiated an agreement to settle the criminal case, and the US State Department concluded the civil case. The full settlement was submitted to the District Court in Philadelphia for review in January and the court decided to enter pleas on 27 February 1997.
The resolution of the matter paves the way for increased defence industry cooperation and will further strengthen evolving military cooperation between South Africa and the United States.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 28 FEBRUARY 1997
Contact person: Marco Boni (012) 351 0128