STATEMENT BY MINISTER DR. NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA ON SOUTH AFRICA’S ELECTION TO THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL
(NON-PERMANENT SEAT)

16 October 2006

1.    South  Africa  is greatly privileged and  honoured by its  election by the general membership of the United Nations to serve on the UN Security Council in a non- permanent capacity.

2.    In  this  regard, SA extends its gratitude to the peoples  and government of Africa and the world for the confidence  bestowed upon us to serve the people of our continent and  indeed  the world in the UN Security Council.

3.    Accordingly, and on behalf of President Thabo Mbeki, the  government and people of South Africa we humbly   accept the mandate thrust upon us by the peoples of Africa, the South and the world in general in electing us to this position of responsibility.

4.     We do so conscious and convinced that the multilateral system of global governance remains the only hope for challenges facing humanity today.

5.    As a consequence, thereof, we declare our readiness and  preparedness to serve the peoples of Africa, the South and the World in this capacity.

6.    South  Africa,  commits itself thus, fully cognisant of  the  challenges that will certainly arise from the responsibilities that will attend to the membership of the UN Security Council as an instrument of our collective peace and security.

7.    In  pursuance thereof, South Africa will  strive in conjunction  with the African Union, to create synergies between  the work of the African Union Peace and Security   Council  and the UN Security Council with a view to the prevention of outbreaks of violence and conflict  in  the continent of Africa

8.    We  shall  work  with  all  members  of  the  Security Council,  and regional organisations in pursuit of peace and  stability in all regions of the world especially in the Middle East.

9.    In  addition, South  Africa shall  continue to work with  all  members of the United Nations General Assembly  in  pursuit of  the comprehensive reform of  the United Nations including the reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 16 October 2006

082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001