Picture: (Minister of Dirco, Lindiwe Sisulu)
By BAKANG MOKOTO
Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Lindiwe Sisulu had expressed her sincere appreciation to the Member States of the UN General Assembly for supporting South Africa’s candidacy for the non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2019-2020.
Sisulu said the country is honoured and humbled by this gesture of confidence. She said this will be South Africa’s third term on the UN Security Council, having previously served in 2007-2008 and 2011-2012.
“Our tenure in the Security Council will be dedicated to the legacy of President Nelson Mandela and his commitment to peace. In marking his centenary this year, a Summit on Peace will be held on the eve of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly in September. South Africa will use its tenure in the Security Council to promote the maintenance of international peace and security through advocating for the peaceful settlement of disputes and inclusive dialogue.
“We will continue to enhance close cooperation between the UN Security Council and other regional and sub-regional organisations. During our two previous tenures, we advocated for closer cooperation between the UN Security Council and the African Union Security Council (AUPC), which culminated in the adoption of the landmark Resolution in 2012 on strengthening cooperation between these two bodies,” she said.
Sisulu added that South Africa’s diplomatic efforts over the past two decades include conflict resolution, prevention, and mediation, peacekeeping and peace-building. She said they firmly believe that, while they must strengthen the tools at the Security Council’s disposal in addressing conflicts as they arise, the focus should be on preventative diplomacy and on addressing the root causes of conflicts.
“We believe that peace cannot be achieved without the participation of women in peace negotiations, peacekeeping operations, post-conflict peace-building and governance. During our tenure, we will ensure that a gender perspective is mainstreamed into all Security Council resolutions in line with UNSC Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security.
“As we assume the non-permanent seat, we look forward to collaborating with the members of the Security Council in promoting the maintenance of international peace and security and the social well-being and advancement of all the peoples of the world,” she said.
The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation also shared the same sentiments. The Chairperson of the Committee, Siphosezwe Masango said the work the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), under the stewardship of Minister Lindiwe Sisulu is commendable.
“This is further evidence that Africa and the world still have trust in the country and South Africa is an influential global player when it comes to mediation efforts and ability. SA is happy to play a role at this level, and will continue with mediation role in various areas where there are disputes in the continent and in the world.
“SA has also assisted in negotiated settlements that were political in various other countries. The UN Security Council is a body, which is constituted by five permanent members – with veto power and nine non-permanent member seats that rotate every two years,” Masango said.
The Guardian 