Africa must decide, says UK's Hague

2012-02-14 13:01

Cape Town - African countries must decide who will represent them as a possible permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the University of the Western Cape, Hague said Britain supported the reform of the UN Security Council, which reflected the outcome of World War II.

"We think there should be an expanded security council with more permanent members," he said in answer to a question on whether Britain would back South Africa's bid for a permanent seat on the council.

"It is for countries of Africa to determine the nature of that representation. I don't think it is for the rest of the world to determine that."

He said Britain was active in supporting South Africa's efforts in finding a political solution in Zimbabwe.

"We see South Africa and [the Southern African Development Community] as leading the way," he said.

Britain would continue to help Zimbabwe with its £80m development fund.

"We will help in other ways," Hague said.

- SAPA