South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki on 2 December congratulated all the parties and the people of Northern Ireland on the decision to form a joint Government and the significant progress achieved with regard to the peace process.
President Mbeki further paid tribute to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, United States President Bill Clinton and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern for the tireless and unwavering efforts of their Governments in bringing about the historic breakthrough towards the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
"The fact that you did not give up hope despite the hurdles and challenges, is a measure of your personal commitment to peace and stability in Northern Ireland. It once again illustrates that if the necessary political will exists, the most intractable differences can be settled through democratic dialogue", Mbeki said.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
3 DECEMBER 1999