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President Jacob Zuma. Photo: Leon Nicholas.
No country, lobbying group or individual dictated South Africa's foreign policy, President Jacob Zuma said in Pretoria on Thursday.
Zuma, who was speaking at a public lecture at the University of Pretoria, said: “Our foreign policy is independent and decisions are formed by national interest. We are not dictated to.”
Zuma made the comment after highlighting that South Africa's recognition of a one-China policy abided by international norms.
Zuma's government has come under criticism over the manner in which it handled the planned visit of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama for Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu's 80th birthday celebrations.
He said that Africa and the Southern African Development Community were the cornerstones of South Africa's foreign policy.
Zuma said the “partnership” between the world and Africa, especially the African Union, was “under strain” during the crisis in Libya.
“The AU and sub-regional bodies (in Africa) need the support of the UN and international bodies as a whole.”
Referring to the United Nations, he said it was unacceptable that the UN Security Council did not have permanent members from Africa and South America.
“Africa and Latin America are not represented as permanent members on the Security Council. This is a negative anomaly.”
A reform of the UN and its structures was needed, Zuma said. - Sapa
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Anonymous, wrote
If you vote ANC you also vote for jobs for Chinese and not South Africans. You also vote to have protests for service delivery, while Zuma, Malema, Vavi and co build homes with built in cash vaults. Possibly also money going off shore. Think before you vote for the [allegedly] ANCorrupt Party.
JR, wrote
Our foreign policy is independent and decisions are formed by national interest. And of course your own and the ANC's interests with a little inducement from China??? SInce when has our government actually given a damn about what the people of this country want? They dont, they enrich themselves and treat us like we are lower than shark sh..until election time. When last did you get to meet your local MP and have a chat about issues? When last did you actually see your MP? DO you actually know who they are or even if they are male or female? I certainly dont. Never seen them or heard anything from my local one. They car SH.T about us.
rixxi, wrote
frank, wrote
That meeting was for the building of the nuclear power station which will cost south Africa 40 trillion Rand and with Chinese Labour . That is why Dala Lama had a problem with Tutu
Anonymous, wrote
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Tony in Virginia, wrote
The President is [allegedly] lying again. Why did they not say this the first time instead giving conflicting reports?
Greg in China, wrote
What a pity SA has gone the route of being China's lapdog. We were when when we joined BRIC, but were seemingly blinded by the allure of it all. By the way. Taiwan is Taiwan, and not part of Mainland China - different currency, different government, different laws and legislation, different passport, different flag, different people who definitely do not want to be ruled by the big yellow corrupt dragon in Beijing.
Analyst, wrote
I can grant you that Mr. President. Only that the Dalai Lama was not a policy issue. So did China dictate our Dalai Lama visa issue?
TOKYO3991, wrote
Benson, wrote
Juan, wrote
Ja zuma also said this will be the year of 'action' and job creation.. whatever.. millions of jobs lost and NO action on crime and corruption. One must be really stupid to believe anything this 'man' says!
aNON, wrote
......"Africa and Latin America are not represented as permanent members on the Security Council. This is a negative anomaly.” yeah you damn right and there is a good reason too! when the said regions can display the ability to deal with human rights abuses, despots, dictators, etc that just may change....however, you might also have to contribute to finance instead of the begging bowl mentality.....typically give me what i WANT but i wont do anything to earn it!!!!!
Anonymous, wrote
Mr Zuma maybe you should rather be asking the question " Why is Africa not represented as a permanent member on the Security Council"? If you are living in SA you should know the answer: SA is run by a corrupt and dysfunctional political party with weak leadership, jobs for friends and high crime rates.
Anonymous, wrote
Let africa and latino America subsedise and pay to maintain the UN mAYBE THEN THEY CAN CALL THE TUNE!
aNON, wrote
"...decisions are formed by national interest" i.e. china is our priority therefore dictates our policy! it is not reform at the UN or anywhere else that is required, it is the attitude of zuma govt and other african states to dictators, despots, gross human rights violators, etc that needs reform. in other words the anc govt must fall into line with what is accepted world norms, zuma govt and african states are out of step NOT the world or UN. get with the programme!!!!
Chris, wrote
So the ANC are admitting to being incompetent and dictatorial as a result of their own actions!!
diko, wrote
so tired of polit-speak. jakes is in a sandpit here. "not dictated to", "but governed by national interest" ... what is the difference, when a loan of 5bn is made from china 'for good of sa national interest'. call a spade a shovel, if must be, but now a trowel, for fork's sake
Juan, wrote
Ok, let's puty this to the test. Have a fundraiser and invite the Dalai Lama here to give a lecture and see of SA allows him in or let china dictate to us AGAIN.
Dhubula, wrote
Anonymous, wrote
who's fooling who....r u fooling me or ARE u fooling yourself Mr President sir, look at all the laws passed for example since 911.maybe u right....just maybe neh!
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