Issued by: Office of the Executive Deputy President
The South African Government notes today's decision by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to hold public hearings into the chemical and biological weapons programme conducted by the previous government.
The Government's submission to the TRC to hold an In-camera hearing was done because of its domestic and International obligations so as not to risk the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In this regard government views seriously its responsibility to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Government also emphasizes that it supports a full and comprehensive investigation by the TRC into these matters and believes that this could be best achieved through an in-camera hearing.
Issued by: Ricky Naidoo Office of the Deputy President
Date: 8 June 1998
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