Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
14 October 2001
The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the UN and the Secretary-General Kofi Annan feels all Africans in particular and the entire international community with a great sense of pride and achievement.
Coming in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in the USA and the resultant global march against terrorism, the award has more than ever before underlined the centrality of the UN in the creation, protection and preservation of world peace and security.
In this regard, the urgent need for the transformation of the UN system can only add impetus towards the attainment of the objectives and goals of the Secretary-General and the organisation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma extends on behalf of the South African Government, her congratulations to Kofi Annan and the UN on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and commits the government to a partnership with the Secretary-General and the UN in its endeavour to create a better world for all underpinned by peace and security.
As Africans, we are proud to have adopted a programme –the New African Initiative (MAP-Omega) which will contribute to world peace and security by removing the very sources that create conflict in our continent of Africa -among others poverty, marginalisation and under-development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma wishes the Secretary General and the United Nations, success in its mission.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853