Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Consultations have been going on between the South African Government and the UN/OAU Special Representative on one hand and the two Zairean parties on the other since the first round of direct negotiations and the adoption of the Joint Communique of 8 April 1997.
Following these consultations, President Nelson Mandela received Mr. Kabila yesterday in Cape Town. The meeting was constructive and Mr. Kabila reiterated his commitment to a negotiated and peaceful solution to the crisis in Zaire.
As a result of this meeting and consultations with President Mobutu's special adviser Mr. Honore Ngbanda who was in Cape Town, President Mandela extended today a formal invitation to President Mobuto to meet Mr. Kabila in South Africa as early as possible.
Both Mr. Kabila and Mr. Ngbanda left South Africa this morning. Mr. Ngbanda is carrying a formal invitation from President Mandela to President Mobuto to come to South Africa for a meeting with Mr. Kabila.
We are confident that the meeting will be held soon and would discuss transitional arrangements affecting all elements of government, in the context of a peaceful and negotiated solution.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
17 APRIL 1997