Pretoria (South Africa), February 1, 2024 (SPS) - The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Naledi Pandor, confirmed yesterday, that she had a “useful discussion” in Pretoria with the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General to Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, who is on a visit to South Africa.
During her response to questions at a press conference about the aim behind Staffan de Mistura’s visit to South Africa, Ms. Pandor said, “The discussion was useful and was distinguished by studying some approaches related to Western Sahara.”
The Minister apologized for not delving into this issue, saying that “these are confidential questions” and that she needs time to provide a response to the “proposals.”
Staffan de Mistura went to South Africa on Wednesday, at the invitation of the country's government, to participate in meetings concerning the Sahrawi issue, according to what the United Nations announced.
It is worth mentioning that after the UN Security Council adopted the decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission to Organize a Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31, 2024, the Deputy Permanent Representative of South Africa in New York, Martinus van Schalkwyk, renewed his country’s support for the efforts of Staffan de Mistura to achieve a “just and sustainable” political solution acceptable to both parties (Morocco and the Polisario Front), and stipulates the right to self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
SPS