International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on Friday outlined South Africa’s priorities as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
On January 1 2011, South Africa will assume its seat as a non-permanent member of the council for 2011 and 2012, following its election to this body by 182 member states of the General Assembly on October 12.
“It is a significant honour for South Africa to be elected to serve on the security council for a second time, following its first term in 2007 and 2008,” Nkoana-Mashabane said in a statement.
South Africa was committed to contributing to the work of the council in maintaining international peace and security, especially in Africa, and through this the betterment of the conditions and lives of all, she said.
To this end South Africa would forge close partnerships with the other members of the council.
“South Africa will continue its efforts to promote and enhance the security council’s co-operation with regional organisations, particularly the African Union’s Peace and Security Council of which South Africa is currently a member.
“Closer cooperation between these two bodies will contribute to enhancing the convergence of perspectives and approaches in tackling and responding to peace and security challenges in Africa.”
Committed to multilateralism
Nkoana-Mashabane said Security Council membership would also provide an opportunity for South Africa to work towards achieving a “representative, legitimate and more effective security council”.
“In its actions South Africa will be guided by the commitment to upholding international law and universal values and to helping others protect or achieve their inherent and inalienable rights.”
South Africa was firmly committed to multilateralism and approached membership of the council from the premise that the UN remained the most appropriate forum for addressing contemporary challenges in maintaining international peace and security.
“Building on the experience of our previous membership of this august body, the department of international relations and co-operation (DIRCO) has assembled a crack team of diplomats and officials, both at headquarters and in New York for this important internal task.
“DIRCO will endeavour to forge and maintain a close working relationship with all stakeholders, both domestic and external.
“We will also do our best to ensure that we keep our public informed,” she said. — Sapa