[allAfrica.com]  [Africa_2004]


SA to Intensify Role in Global Affairs

BuaNews (Pretoria)
NEWS
June 24, 2004
Posted to the web June 24, 2004

By Matome Sebelebele
Pretoria
South Africa will continue paying its dues in conflict resolution and
peacekeeping on the continent as well as deepening multilateralism, while
tightening relations with numerous foreign states.
This, Deputy President Jacob Zuma believes, will help turn Africa and the globe
into better places to live in, further affirming that authorities will not
abandon this mission until it was accomplished.
"...We will continue our interactions on a bilateral and multilateral level
with various countries and international institutions to promote our national
objectives," he told Parliament during the Presidency's budget vote in Cape
Town yesterday.
Government's mission, Mr Zuma explained was ignited by its thirst for lasting
peace across the globe particularly in Africa, where Pretoria maintains
financial and physical resources to help eradicate devastating conflicts.
"Our country continues to provide hope in the continent, especially in the
search for peace," he asserted, thanking the MPs who "continue to support the
key role that our country is playing in peacemaking and peacekeeping in the
continent."
South Africa has hundreds of troops in both conflict-ridden Burundi and the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and regularly summons its force to the
African Union (AU) and United Nations missions in this regard.
The country also maintains its giant mining; telecommunications and other
business corporations investing in what their western counterparts say are
"risky environments".
Currently, the country is presently ranked the 10th troop contributing to the
UN peacekeeping missions.
This, the Deputy President contends, was a remarkable achievement bearing in
mind that the country only became directly involved in UN peacekeeping
operations in 2001.
"(It) indicates the total commitment of South Africa to peace and stability in
the continent and the world," he asserted.
South Africa's historic feat ten years ago, Mr Zuma once argued, had become a
"world pilot project" in how complex conflicts could be avoided, with many
calling upon the Union Buildings to intervene.
Pretoria, which just a mere decade ago was suffocating from international
sanctions, continues to be showered with praises for throwing its financial and
military muscle behind development efforts in Africa, where the majority are
reported to be living under one dollar a day.

   

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