STORM2K

Thats all I can say about South Africa's take on this war.

The government has rejected a request from the United States to close Iraqi missions in South Africa, and to expel senior officials.

Government spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe on Wednesday said South Africa's actions would be guided by decisions taken by the United Nations.

"Because there has not been any such decision by the United Nations, we do not see any reason to break our diplomatic relations with the state of Iraq.

"The US approach was based on the premise that the Iraqi government was illegal and illegitimate, and needed to be overthrown.

It is important to respect the sovereignty of other countries
"As I have indicated, we will be guided on this by positions of the United Nations and, most critically, Iraq remains a member of the UN, and the issue of the legality of the Iraqi state has not arisen there," Netshitenzhe said.

South Africa is one of more than 60 countries petitioned by the US government to shut Iraqi missions, pending the outcome of the war.

Netshitenzhe said most of those countries had taken the same position as South Africa.



South Africa won't consider persuading Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to go into exile, according to Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

It was important to respect the sovereignty of other countries, and it was the people of those countries who had the right to change their leaders, he said on Thursday. - Sapa


This article was originally published on page 1 of The Star on 03 April 2003

And to think our President offered to send money to Africa. I hope he reconsiders his position. No offense Amanzi.

Exactly Lindaloo. Without outside help Africa will continue to die!!! . They need to get there heads out of the sand!

Exactly. Look at the way Saddam has treated his own people. Can Africa truly say that they need Saddam? And what has Saddam ever done for the poor starving people of Africa? Just do not understand why they would want to continue diplomatic relations with that regime and country. Africa's people have never benefited from it. What is the leader or leaders of that country thinking?

* BUMP *

Lindaloo,

I wish I knew the answers to your questions. I have lived there my whole life. Under the non democratic and democratic leadership. The problems are untolled in Africa and will continue for the years to come. They have signed there own death warrents if they cut ties from the 'civilaized world' The people will be even worse off than they are now. But we wont mention the fact that the government employees have huge houses and fancy cars!

Hey American Amanzi! Sounds like the leaders in Africa suppress the people like Saddam's regime. How unfortunate for the people of Africa.

Hopefully the United States can help them one day.