24 December 2001
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma expresses her satisfaction, and that of the Countries of the Region that the Referendum in the Comoros has been conducted in a peaceful manner and that a high percentage of eligible voters participated in the referendum. Of key importance is the fact that the island of Anjouan fully participated in the referendum bringing an end to the cessation and restoring territorial integrity.
This follows the expression of support and solidarity for the current peace process, restoration of the territorial integrity of the country and the democratisation process expressed by the Delegation of Ministers of the Countries of the Region who had meetings with the different structures in the Comoros from 19-21 December 2001.
The Minister also expressed her gratitude that the referendum constitutes another milestone in the process of returning the Comoros to a democratic and constitutional government as well as a return to their participation as a full member of the OAU.
The Minister expressed her appreciation to the Countries of the Region and the individuals who have constituted the OAU Military Observer Force tasked with assisting in the weapons collection exercise as well as the individuals who participated as referendum observers. She expressed the view that these observers contributed in no small measure to the atmosphere in which the referendum was conducted and that it created an atmosphere for a successful referendum. She confirmed that the Countries of the Region and the OAU would continue supporting and assisting the people of the Comoros in their efforts to normalise the constitutional position of their country. The last mile in the marathon will be the most difficult but will receive unwavering support.
The Minister also expressed her continuing support and congratulated the people of the Comoros on their achievement thus far and expressed the hope that the rest of the process will be conducted in the same spirit that will result in a democratic and constitutional government that preserves the unity and territorial integrity of the Comoros.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs