Issued by: Department of foreign Affairs
The Department of Foreign Affairs has noted with concern reports in the media that a South African aircraft carrying mining equipment for UNITA was forced down by the Angolan Air force at Menongue, for contravention of a United Nations air and travel ban on UNITA.
The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to state unequivocally that South Africa adheres rigorously to UN Security Council resolutions. These resolutions are specifically designed to bring peace to Angola and offer hope to its war weary population.
For example, resolution 1135 of 29 October 1997 calls for travel and diplomatic sanctions to be imposed against UNITA as outlined in resolution 1127 of 28 August 1997.
Resolution 1127 calls on all United Nations member states to impose certain measures against UNITA. One of these measures is the denial of landing, take-off and overflight rights to aircraft that have taken off from, or are planning to land at a place in the territory of Angola, except those places designated by the Security Council.
Under international law, South Africa, as a member of the United Nations, must adhere to the provisions of resolution 1127 of 1997. South Africa's observation of this resolution, however, goes beyond the provisions of international law. South Africa maintains a cordial relationship with the government of Angola and values her ties with a country which is an important fellow member of the SADC family of nations. South Africa has profound sympathy for the people of Angola who have suffered so deeply as a result of war in their country. South Africa will do all in its power to ensure that a lasting peace unfolds in Angola which will unlock the vast potential of that country for the benefit of all Angolans.
As part of the process of bringing peace to Angola, South Africa will take vigorous steps to ensure the strict observation of sanctions against UNITA. The South African government expects all South Africans to do the same. Violations will be dealt with harshly by the United Nations, South Africa and her partners in the region.
The South African Government would like to make it quite clear to those opportunists who are attempting to prolong the misery of the Angolan people will have to face the consequences of their actions, not only in South Africa, but also within the region.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA 22 JANUARY 1998