Durban, June 3, 2013 (SPS) - The Republic of South Africa has renewed its firm commitment to right of Saharawi people to self-determination and independence, in statements by officials in the country during a session on the foreign policy of the State of South Africa before the National Assembly in Durban on Thursday, a source from the SADR embassy in Johannes told SPS.
“We have for many years been seized with the issue of the status of Western Sahara. It remains our firm commitment to continue supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution in that country. The self-determination of the people of Western Sahara is essential,” said the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa H.E. Ms. Maite Nkoana Mashabane, in her speech before the National Assembly.
From his part, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr. Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim underlined that South African continues “to support the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people,” in the framework of the principles of human rights and shared common history of a struggle for independence and self-determination.
“We will continue to use all our diplomatic tools and fora including development aid to further our policy position of international solidarity and support the people of Palestine, Cuba and Western Sahara amongst others,” indicated the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr. Marius Fransman.
He, in this regard, called upon South African civil society organizations to work in partnership with the Government in finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the situation in Palestine and Western Sahara.
South Africa and the Saharawi Republic (SADR) are linked by friendship and cooperation relations at the diplomatic level. (SPS)
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