ANC STATEMENT ON ATTACKS ON FOREIGN NATIONALS

The African National Congress notes with grave concern the recent attacks on foreign nationals in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg.

We wish to reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of such xenophobic acts.

We call on all South Africans to take a firm stand against such violent acts and treat them as hate crimes. Such acts can only take society backwards and open the wounds of racism and intolerance against which so many of our people fought.

The killings in Atteridgeville earlier this year and recent attacks on Somalis and others, are an attack not only foreigners, but are an assault on the values of our democratic society.

We call on all South Africans to spare no effort in speaking out against acts of xenophobia in any form.

The ANC repeats its call to all state institutions and security agencies to apply the country's immigration laws in a consistent and even-handed manner, with due regard to the country's constitution and its international commitments.

We believe that through the recognition of the crucial role played by the international community in South Africa's liberation, all South Africans will work together to ensure that we build a better world where people of different nations and races co-exist and live in peace and harmony.

Statement issued by the African National Congress May 12 2008