RE-ELECTION TO UNSC SIGNALS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN SA'S ROLE AS GLOBAL DIPLOMATIC PLAYER - ANC

The African National Congress (ANC) wish to congratulate the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for a sterling job at the United Nations - ensuring the re-election of South Africa as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2011-2012.

The re-election of South Africa to the UN's most powerful seat signals a global vote of confidence in the role the country continues to play in international diplomacy, particularly in championing the African Renaissance in such areas as peace-keeping, security, human rights and economic development.

We share sentiments expressed by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, in reaffirming South Africa's commitment to put the advancement of international peace, security and international law high on the agenda, during the country's tenure in the Security Council.

We further wish to thank Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, deputy ministers Sue van der Merwe and Ebrahim Ebrahim; Director General Ayanda Ntsaluba and DIRCO staff for working hard behind the scenes in ensuring that South Africa wins the bid for re-election to the UNSC - another boost for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the continent.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, National Spokesperson of the African National Congress, October 13 2010

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