SA ready for UN seat - Mbeki
2004-09-24 15:18
Kimberley - South Africa is ready to become a member of the United Nations Security Council, President Thabo Mbeki said on Friday.
Speaking at National Heritage Day celebrations in Galeshewe, Kimberley, Mbeki said while he was at the 59th assembly of the UN this week, "many asked if South Africa would serve as a permanent member of the Security Council".
He said while discussions were going on about the restructuring of the Security Council, the South African government was preparing to become a permanent member.
"South Africa is ready to serve the people of Africa and the people of the world in the Security Council," Mbeki said.
His comments were supported in a statement from Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
She said: "On behalf of our government, I would like to confirm that South Africa is ready to assume this responsibility.
"Our government and people fully understand the immense responsibilities that would attach to this high position.
"We are ready to respond to this challenge, fully sensitive to the need to respect the interests and aspirations of all countries and peoples, and the imperative to build an equitable and humane global order."
Various countries are campaigning for an African nation to get a permanent seat on the council.
- SAPA