Media Statement

3 January 2020

South Africa calls for calm in Iraq

The South African Government is alarmed by the escalating tension in Iraq, which has far reaching ramifications not only for the Middle East region, but also for international peace and security.

South Africa recalls and reaffirms the statement of the United Nations Security Council issued on 13 December 2019, in which the members of the Security Council had “called for maximum restraint and urged all to refrain from violence or the destruction of critical infrastructure”.

Responding to these developments, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, stated: “It is crucial for all sides to remain calm and desist from taking any further action that will exacerbate the already fragile situation. South Africa emphasises its principled view that conflicts should be resolved through political dialogue rather than resorting to the use of force”.

South Africa reiterates the UN Security Council’s support for the “independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and prosperity of Iraq”.

Enquiries: Mr Lunga Ngqengelele on +27825660446

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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