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JOINT COMMUNIQUE BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS, SOUTH AFRICA, THE VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COOPERATION OF MOZAMBIQUE AND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, 3 June 1996
A meeting of the Tripartite Commission between the governments of Mozambique and South Africa and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, chaired by Mr Penuell Maduna, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs of South Africa took place in Pretoria, South Africa on 31 May 1996.
The Mozambican delegation was led by Dr F Rodrigues, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique and the delegation of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees was led by Mr N Bwakira, the United Nations High Commissioner in Southern Africa.
On 15 October 1993, a Tripartite Agreement was signed between the governments of South Africa, Mozambique and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to provide a legal framework for the voluntary return of MOzambican refugees to their country or of origin.
Under the terms of the Tripartite Agreement, this Commission was established to, inter alia, consider, finalise and execute plans for the repatriation of Mozambican refugees from South Africa. At the close of the repatriation programme last year, more than 30 000 Mozambicans had been assisted to return from South Africa.
It is the view of the parties to the Agreement and the international community at large that fundamental, democratic and durable changes have taken place in MOzambique allowing for the safe and dignified return of Mozambicans to their country.
In view of the above developments, the Parties resolved at today's meeting that:
1. In view of the peace and stability which have returned to Mozambique and the fundamental and sustained change that has taken place, Mozambican refugees will not have refugee status after 31 December 1996.
2. The South African Government will continue to provide transportation in coordination with the relevant Mozambican authorities, to the border of Mozambique for refugees wishing to return, up to 31 December 1996.
3. The status of Mozambicans who elect to remain in South Africa after 31 December 1996, will be determined according to accepted international principles and the applicable South African laws.
The discussions took place in a cordial manner and the Tripartite Commission was dissolved at the closing of the meeting.
Issued by: SA Communication Service
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