Questions and Answers

Question: The situation in Zimbabwe, is it correct that we and Russia opposed a wider briefing or we push very hard for it to be narrowed or to be maintained in the humanitarian department, does this mean that there is no change in the consideration of it - in other words it stays with humanitarian matters? Is it still our view that the issue of Zimbabwe should not come before the UNSC and that it does not pose a threat to international peace and security?

Answer: So far the only discussions that have taken place in the UNSC on Zimbabwe have been on the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. This is obviously because Zimbabwe is not on the agenda of the Security Council, therefore the Security Council would, I think, find it difficult to hold a broader political discussion on the issue of Zimbabwe. There are other avenues in which the issue of Zimbabwe is being addressed. As you know we have had several briefings from the Department of Foreign Affairs by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad on the issues - the engagements that South Africa is doing there, working in the context of the SADC. The Security Council will indeed be focusing on the humanitarian situation.

Question: Is it still our view that Zimbabwe does not pose a threat to international peace and security?

Answer: It is our view that Zimbabwe at the moment does not pose a threat to international peace and security, which is the basic mandate of the Security Council.

This is an extract of the official transcript of the media briefing by Foreign Affairs chief director for United Nations issues Xolisa Mabhongo, Pretoria, June 10 2008. Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs.