23 September 1999 Edition
Sinn Féin in South Africa
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness and Gerry Kelly met last weekend in Pretoria with South African President Thabo Mbeki and Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad.
After the meeting, McGuinness pointed out that South Africa was a world leader in conflict resolution. He spoke of the warm ewelcome extended by President Mbeki and said theyenjoyed an excellent meeting. ``We thanked the President for the ongoing interest the South African government has shown in the search for justiuce and peace in Ireland,'' he said.
The Mid-Ulster MP continued: ``We emphasised to the South African government, as I did in numerous meetings earlier in the week in the United States, the need for the international community to use its influence to encourage the UUP to engage positively and to implement the Good Friday Agreement and, critically, not to waste the opportunity presented by the review.''
The two republicans had separate meetings were held with former ANC Chief Negotiator Cyril Ramaphosa, General Secretary Kgalema Mothlante and the ANC Foreign Affairs Committee.
After the meeting, McGuinness pointed out that South Africa was a world leader in conflict resolution. He spoke of the warm ewelcome extended by President Mbeki and said theyenjoyed an excellent meeting. ``We thanked the President for the ongoing interest the South African government has shown in the search for justiuce and peace in Ireland,'' he said.
The Mid-Ulster MP continued: ``We emphasised to the South African government, as I did in numerous meetings earlier in the week in the United States, the need for the international community to use its influence to encourage the UUP to engage positively and to implement the Good Friday Agreement and, critically, not to waste the opportunity presented by the review.''
The two republicans had separate meetings were held with former ANC Chief Negotiator Cyril Ramaphosa, General Secretary Kgalema Mothlante and the ANC Foreign Affairs Committee.