SA's role in AU to continue
1 August 2003
South Africa will continue to play an influential role in the affairs of the African Union, especially in helping to set up some of the organisation's structures, according to Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota.
Speaking in Pretoria on Wednesday in his capacity as chairman of the government’s international relations, peace and security cluster, Lekota said South Africa's influence in the AU would not diminish following the country's relinquishing the continental body's leadership last month.
After chairing the organisation for 12 months since its launch in June last year, President Thabo Mbeki handed over the leadership baton to Mozambican leader Joaquim Chissano.
Lekota said South Africa is required to play a decisive part within the structures of AU and on the continent by virtue of being part of the AU troika with Mozambique and Madagascar.
"Precisely because of our location in Africa, the continent remains our top priority,"
Lekota said, adding that South Africa considers the consolidation of the AU as an important priority. "We will throw our weight fully behind the establishment of AU institutions," he asserted.
Lekota added that South Africa will campaign to be the location of the proposed Pan African Parliament.
The ratification of the protocol establishing the potentially powerful Peace and Security Council will also be pursued, as well as the creation of the justice, financial and monetary institutions.
Following its three-day mid-term review on Wednesday, the Cabinet reaffirmed South Africa's role in spearheading the implementation of AU decisions as part of the leadership troika.
Source: BuaNews
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