Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Speaking during his Department's annual budget debate in the House of Assembly in Cape town, Minister Nzo emphasised that a series of foreign policy achievements had contributed significantly to the Government's Reconstruction and Development Programme. In support of these initiatives, Minister Nzo pointed out that economic diplomacy is fast becoming the major focus of this Department's activities.
Minister Nzo also pointed out that South Africa could not hope to flourish if its neighbours suffered from conflict and poverty. In this knowledge South Africa had sought, both bilaterally and together with continental bodies, the peaceful resolution of conflict situations.
Of particular significance was the central role South Africa had played in the international campaign to ban landmines. These efforts included the early destruction of South Africa's stock of anti-personnel landmines. Minister Nzo also welcomed the fact that the House of Assembly had voted positively to ratify the Treaty two days ago.
Minister Nzo also mentioned that South Africa had discharged its responsibilities as Chair of the recent UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva with great professionalism and efficiency.
As a committed member of the countries of the South, Minister Nzo pointed out that his Department had the following three important priorities:
- to forge bonds along strategic lines in the developing world with key countries of the South
- to generate links with Asia, Africa and Latin America in air and sea transport, telecommunications and regional trade
- to negotiate improved terms of trade for developing countries
In confronting these challenges, Minister Nzo said South Africa was honoured to Chair the 12th Non Aligned Movement Summit later this year in Durban during which South Africa would, inter alia, promote the interests of the African continent.
Minister Nzo confirmed that he would accompany President Mandela to the next OAU Summit in Burkina Faso in early June, where it is expected that the UN Secretary-General's report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa would be discussed. Furthermore, the Minister indicated that the Summit would examine the restructuring of the organization.
Minister Nzo also pointed out that South Africa's diplomatic representation was critical in facilitating dialogue and supporting the efforts of other Government departments, the private sector and civil society. The Department was cognisant of the need for national stringency and was seeking to do more with less. He pointed out that the reduction of the Department's budget had, however, forced the closure of ten Missions as well as a reduction in the staff component in many remaining Missions. The Minister warned that South Africa could not continue to reduce its operations in the international field so severely and still expect to pursue its national interest effectively.
On the deteriorating situation in the Middle East Peace Process Minister Nzo reiterated South Africa's commitment to the search for peace. Furthermore he said that the international community cannot permit the peace agreements already signed to be changed so as to legitimise Prime Minister Netanyahu's unacceptable aim of retaining ninety per cent of Palestinian territory in the name of Israeli security. It should be noted that, even in Israel, there is no national consensus on this goal.
In certain quarters, South Africa's criticism of the Netanyahu Government's policy has been characterised as "anti-Israel". Minister Nzo stressed that this is not so. South Africa continued to embrace the peace-makers of the region, both Israeli and Palestinian, and publicly supported and endorsed their efforts to bring the hope of peace to this region.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS CAPE TOWN 7 MAY 1998