[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

COMMUNIQUÉ

1. A delegation of the Ministers and other representatives of the Countries of the Region and the OAU Troika visited the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros from 4 to 7 June 2001, pursuant to the decision of the Ministerial meeting of the countries of the Region and the OAU Troika on the Comoros, held in Pretoria, South Africa, on 11 May 2001.

2. It will be recalled that, in view of the need to safeguard the climate of trust and the spearhead the ongoing reconciliation process, the Pretoria Ministerial meeting decided to dispatch a delegation of the Ministers of the countries of the Region and OAU Troika to the Comoros as soon as possible, to provide moral support and encouragement to the Comorian Parties.

3. The Ministerial delegation was led by Dr N.C. Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa. It was composed of the following Ministers:

i) H.E. Lila Hanitra Ratsifandrihamanana, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar;
ii) H.E. A.K. Gayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Co-operation of the Republic of Mauritius and
iii) H.E. Ben Mouhtar Abderemane, Ambassador of the Republic of Algeria to Madagascar.

4. The Secretary-General of the OAU was represented by his Special Envoy to the Comoros, Honourable Minister Francisco Madeira.

5. The delegation met and exchanged views with representatives of all the Comorian Parties involved in the reconciliation process, including Government authorities, the Opposition, members of the Tripartite Commission, the Follow-up Committee, representatives of civil society, as well as the diplomatic Corps accredited to the Comoros and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and I'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

6. The delegation took note of the progress achieved in the ongoing process of reconciliation, and the difficulties experienced in the smooth implementation of the Framework Agreement.

7. The Ministers acknowledged the progress made and the commitment as well as determination by all the parties involved in the implementation of the Framework Agreement.

8. The delegation stressed that the Framework Agreement constitutes a viable framework for reconciliation and lasting solution to the crisis in the Comoros. In this regard, the delegation welcomed with satisfaction the establishment of the implementation organs provided for in the Framework Agreement and commended all the Parties for their efforts in this respect. The delegation reiterated the support and commitment of the OAU and the countries of the Region and the OAU Troika to the process until its full completion.

9. The delegation stressed the need for equity in the distribution of resources, in accordance with the specificities of each island and in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Framework Agreement.

10. The delegation noted the urgent need for technical and financial resources to sustain the implementation process. An appeal was made to both the Tripartite Commission and the Follow-up Committee to keep the current momentum, as this will help the OAU in its efforts to mobilise adequate resources for the implementation process and the socio-economic development of the Comoros.

11. While recognising the need for a just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Comorian crisis, the delegation stressed the importance of working out new realistic timeframes to be adhered to by all the signatories to the Agreement, in order to ensure a speedy and successful conclusion of the reconciliation process and the return of the country to constitutional order, in conformity with OAU's relevant decisions on the matter.

12. During the visit to the islands, the delegation noted the seriousness of the socio-economic difficulties facing the Comorian people. The delegation reiterated the solidarity of the OAU, the countries of the Region and the OAU Troika, and appealed to the International Community to extend technical, financial and humanitarian assistance for the Comorian people, especially in Anjouan and Moheli.

13. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to supporting the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros even beyond the constitutional process.

14. Finally, the delegation thanked and expressed its appreciation and gratitude to the Comorian People and the Comorian Government for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended during their visit to the beautiful islands of the Comoros.

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

7 June 2001