Pretoria, June 28, 2013 (SPS) - The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has reaffirmed that her country’s position remains that of decolonization and self-determination of the Saharawi people, stressing the need to urgently convene a referendum to allow Saharawis to choose their destiny.
In her remarks on the occasion of the joint press conference following the conclusion of the bilateral meeting with the Saharawi Foreign Minister Mr. Mohamed Ould Salek in Pretoria on Thursday, Ms. Nkoana-Mashabane reaffirmed that South Africa’s common view that the issue of Western Sahara “remains a question of decolonisation and the inalienable right of people to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations Charter.”
She recalled the historic relations that exist between both countries and peoples that were forged during their common liberation struggles against colonial oppression.
Head of South African diplomacy expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in the Western Sahara occupied territories, reiterating her call that the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) be expanded to incorporate a human rights monitoring mechanism.
She, on other hand, deplored the continued illegal exploitation of mineral resources in the occupied territories of Western Sahara which is not permitted by international law given that Western Sahara has the status of Non-Self-Governing Territory as per Chapter 11 of the UN Charter.
Regarding the bilateral meeting, South African FM said that they agreed on the need to increase the humanitarian support to the Saharawi refugees who continue to live in the harsh desert conditions due to the non-resolution of the conflict.
Concerning the bilateral relations, added Ms. Nkoana-Mashabane, we concluded the signing of three agreements, namely, the Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Consultations; the Memorandum of Understanding on a Financial Contribution toward the Construction of a Youth Sport Development Complex and the Memorandum of Understanding on a Financial Contribution towards the Humanitarian Landmine Assistance Programme.
“We are proud that that the signing of these agreements will further solidify the strong relations that already exist between South Africa and the Western Sahara” she concluded her remarks. (SPS)
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