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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today, Thursday, 20 December, held discussions with President Azali Assoumani in Moroni, the capital of the Comoros.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is leading a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of countries of the region and the OAU (Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania), Adv. Mojanku Gumbi - legal advisor to President Mbeki - and Ms Sonto Kudjoe of Foreign Affairs with a view to assisting and giving support to the process of returning the archipelago to democracy, peace and security as soon as possible.

The Minister's visit comes in the context of the forthcoming constitutional referendum scheduled to take place on 23 December 2001.

Minister Dlamini Zuma's discussions with President Azali focused on the progress achieved in the process of re-establishing democracy and the restoration of territorial integrity in the Comoros. The Minister was also briefed on efforts to restore peace and security on the island of Moheli following an unconstitutional seizure of control of the security agencies by a foreign element on Wednesday, 19 December 2001.

Minister Dlamini Zuma reiterated the support of the countries of the region and the OAU for the referendum and the process of transition to democracy. In this regard, the Minister held discussions with leaders of opposition political parties and members of the Follow up Committee (charged with the responsibility of overseeing the transitional process).

Minister Dlamini-Zuma and her delegation will visit the islands of Moheli and Anjouan on Friday, 21 December, before returning to South Africa.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa (09 269 735242, Room 246)

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

20 December 2001