Deputy President Jacob Zuma said the world could take steps to end conflict by harmonising global responses, strengthening multilateralism and ensuring that national interests do not surpass the collective interest.
”In that way, we would arrive at sustainable solutions and lasting peace.”
Zuma was speaking at the Kuala Lumpur World Peace Conference in Malaysia on Saturday.
He said the issue of world security and peace was crucial for everyone.
”This session, entitled ‘Reaping the Peace Dividend: Discuss, Disarm and Distribute’ affords us the opportunity to interrogate the world’s approach to the scourges of our time, especially conflict and poverty.”
Zuma said the point of departure was the September 11 terrorist attack in the United States, which ”brought about fundamental change in the world environment, and which gave terrorism a particular prominence in the international arena.
”The international campaign against terrorism is shaping world politics and the manner in which countries relate to each other, both bilaterally and multilaterally.”
He said recent attacks and bombings in Indonesia, Kenya and Morocco ensured that the combating of international terrorism remained at the forefront of international agendas.
”We have also witnessed grave human tragedies such as the genocide in Rwanda and Burundi as well as conflicts in other parts of the continent, which have cost thousands of lives and displaced thousands of people, such as in Angola, Sudan, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo among others.”
The deputy president said conflict should be analysed and addressed collectively as a common threat to world security, regardless of which continent the victims or perpetrators come from.
He said the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian question would signal to the world that there was consistency and fairness with regard to seeking solutions to conflicts.
”Within Africa, a firm commitment exists to eradicate terrorism.”
”We strongly believe that the international campaign against terrorism should occur within the framework of the United Nations and other regional organisations. There can be no substitute for multilateralism.”
Zuma said it must also be noted that the UN can only truly be strengthened if all its member states abided by its Charter and the principles of international law.
”A firm commitment by member states in this regard is crucial.”
He said development and eradication of poverty would provide a sustainable solution to global instability, and was a mission the world must continue to pursue.
”The campaign against terrorism should not push development off the international agenda.”
Another formula for world security was the strengthening of democratic norms throughout the world, he mentioned.
”This includes the promotion of a culture of respect for human rights, tolerance of all forms of diversity including religion, political beliefs and race, as well as the promotion of sound economic, social and political governance,” Zuma said. – Sapa