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Call for two African seats at UN Security Council

DUBAI — South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said that the African Union's first priority is secure two seats for Africa in the UN Security Council.

When asked by newsmen about possible conflict amongst the nations on the membership, she said, "Africa deserves to be represented. We have called for no less than two seats. When we have got the two seats we will decide whom to recommend from amongst the countries, though the decision is with the UN. But the important thing is that two seats would have come to Africa."

Dr Zuma was speaking to newsmen at a Press conference at the Gulf Research Centre. "I'm very happy to see women researchers," she said. Former health minister and the first woman to head the foreign ministry in democratic South Africa, she is in the UAE as part of a week-long tour of the Gulf region during which she will also visit Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen.

She also said that Africa's economic upliftment should not be jeopardised by the perceived problems in Zimbabwe.

While defending Zimbabwe's stand of correcting historical injustice she said, "We do not want South Africa to become the policeman of Africa. Why should Africa suffer collective punishment even if there was something wrong in Zimbabwe. Why should everyone in Africa do what everyone is the Western world wants? Does all of the EU suffer because of problems in Northern Ireland?

The minister spoke about South Africa's relationship with UAE. "The relations are very good but there is scope for more in the area of economic cooperation and trade. "In response to a Khaleej Times question on improving tourism, she said, "We hope to improve trade and tourism. Tourism, especially, is one of the sectors that we can work with in all GCC countries."

Reacting to questions on South Africa's role in reconstruction of Iraq, she reiterated that South Africa was against the war in the first place. "We have not been involved as a government in reconstruction, though we are aware that there are private individuals who are working with some Western countries."

She also commented on the Israel-Palestine issue which was the focus of many questions.

"We support the road map of two-state solution that Palestine itself supports. Our relations with Palestine are historic. And we play the role of background support in the process. We’ve had many sessions with American Jews to encourage them to be involved in the solution. Peace would bring a better life to both the sides just as peace in South Africa has meant a better life for whites as well," she said.