Issued by: Office of the President
Date: 2 July 1999
President Thabo Mbeki's Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Negotiations on behalf of the South African Government The Way Forward offers a Constructive Approach.
The President, the Government and the people of South Africa remain greatly interested in a final resolution of the historic problems of Northern Ireland on the basis of the Good Friday Agreement.
We salute the leaders of the British and Irish Governments and the political leaders of the people of Northern Ireland for their sustained efforts to arrive at this outcome.
We believe that The Way Forward put forward by the British and Irish Prime Ministers offers a constructive approach towards arriving at a just and lasting solution, taking into account the fears and mistrust that have emerged over a long period of time.
We sincerely hope that consultations during the next fortnight will demonstrate that the leaders and the people of Northern Ireland continue to keep the courage, hope and vision they showed when they adopted the Good Friday Agreement.
The South African Government remains ready to give all possible assistance for the realisation of the common and noble goal of peace, equality, justice and human rights for all the people of Northern Ireland.
For more information contact: Ronnie Mamoepa at 0829904853.
Office of the President Communications Unit Private Bag X955 Pretoria 0001
2 July 1999