Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad reiterated that there could be no military solution to the decades-long civil war in Angola. He said this during a meeting with the Swedish Deputy State Secretary for Political Affairs Mr Anders Bjurner in Pretoria today.
During the meeting they discussed ways of reinforcing the implementation of United Nations sanctions against UNITA as a way to break the lengthy impasse which is preventing a solution to the conflict in that country. In this context Deputy Minister Pahad also looked forward to discussing this issue with the Chairman of the United Nations Sanctions Committee on Angola, Ambassador Robert Fowler, when he visits South Africa on 10 May 1999.
Deputy Minister Pahad also highlighted the importance of South Africa's excellent relations with Sweden and looked forward to the visit of the Swedish Prime Minister, Mr Goran Persson, who is expected here in November when he will officially launch a series of South African-Swedish
events. This manifestation will focus on broadening and deepening the interaction in the political, economic, cultural, tourism and sporting fields between the two countries.
The conflicts in Kosovo and the DRC were also discussed and there was a convergence of views on these issues. The issue of Palestinian statehood was also raised and it was agreed that their should be close consultation on this pressing matter.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
6 MAY 1999