Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
Following the mandate given to the Heads of State of Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Cameroon at the Nairobi II summit which took place in Kenya in December 1996, Deputy President Thabo Mbeki will represent President Mandela at the mini-summit of the Committee in Nairobi on 19 March 1997. Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo to-day attended a Ministerial meeting in preparation for the Summit. In addition, the Heads of State of Tanzania and Congo are also expected to attend.
The meeting is expected to review ongoing initiatives in seeking a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in the Great Lakes region at large, and in particular, the current situation in Zaire.
South Africa has, since the Nairobi II summit, sought active steps to reach a consensus between the parties to the Zaire conflict. Deputy President Mbeki is expected to brief the Heads of State on the recent initiatives in South Africa, and join other Heads of State in examining the way forward.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 18 MARCH 1997