Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR DUMISANI S. KUMALO PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA ON AGENDA ITEM 18: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECLARATION ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES SPECIAL POLITICAL AND DECOLONISATION COMMITTEE (FOURTH COMMITTEE)
New York 28 September 2000
Mr Chairman, congratulations on your election as Chair of the Fourth Committee. We also wish to commend your predecessor, Ambassador Zackheos, for the sustained efforts he and the Bureau made to pursue the noble goals of this Committee during the 54th session. We are very pleased to welcome Tuvalu Among the family of nations. We hope that the Fourth Committee will continue to be a voice and a vehicle for the many people who still do not enjoy freedom and the right to self-determination.
Mr Chairman, not too long ago, our own struggle was addressed before this Committee and we received a lot of support. We cannot forget the past successes we have made with the help of this Committee. Similarly, we dare not forget that there are many others, in fact 16 territories before this Committee, for whom self determination remains a dream. It is for this reason that we call on all members states to actively support the proposal for a Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism during 2001 to 2010. We believe that this proposal will assist us to recommit ourselves, with vigour, to effectively implement the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination and independence.
It must now be our collective goal to hasten the complete elimination of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, as we had set out to do through the plan of action of the previous decade. The vestiges of the past era of colonialism and domination must give way to anew era of partnerships and collective action, in accordance with the wishes of the people and consistent with the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Charter.
Mr Chairman, I appear before you to also lend support to the Saharawi people. It is an easy task for me to carry out because both the people of Morocco and the Saharawi enjoy good relations with South Africa. It is important to note that the United Nations has expended considerable resources and remains keenly involved in the process of setting up the conditions by which the Saharawi people may determine their own future in a free and fair referendum. The process has not been easy but steady progress has been made, most notably in completing the identification process of eligible voters for the referendum. The Houston Agreements have received wide support, including support from the UN Security Council. We therefore believe that it is time for the referendum to be held. In this regard, we appreciate the commitment of the secretary-general and his Personal Envoy, Mr James Baker, to addressing the causes for the delay in implementing the Settlement Plan. We commend the Parties for continuing to strive to overcome any impediments to holding the referendum and urge them to remain committed to their agreement to afford the Saharawi people a opportunity to express their wishes in a free and fair process in the near future. We believe that this is the best way to help our Saharawi and Moroccan friends to resolve a painful issue which has confronted them for many years. Whatever the Saharawi people may decide in a referendum is their prerogative, but their right to make that decision remains inalienable.
Mr Chairman, South Africa remains committed to the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We embrace the Principles of the Charter by striving to fully implement them. This is particularly true for the Fourth Committee where we work to realise the dreams of those who still yearn for equal rights and self determination. The South African delegation wishes to assure you, Mr Chairman, of our support and full Cooperation in the work of this Committee.
Thank You