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A delegation of countries of the region and the OAU under the leadership of South Africa's Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma concluded a successful two day visit to the Comoros on Friday, 21 December 2001.

The Delegation, which included Foreign Minister of Madagascar,Mme Lila Ratsifandrihamanana, Deputy Foreign Minister of Tanzania, Mr Abdul Kader Charif and the OAU Special Envoy, Minister Francisco Madeira, had visited the Comoros to express support and solidarity for the current peace process, restoration of the territorial integrity of the country and the democratisation process.

The Delegation had an opportunity to meet and discuss with President Azali Assoumani, leaders of political parties on all islands, members of the implementation bodies and the National Electoral Commission.

The Delegation was impressed by the level of commitment of all parties for the forthcoming referendum in particular and the integrity of the transitional period in general. All parties, including the government, expressed their unequivocal condemnationof events in Moheli by foreign elements on 19 December 2001.

The parties reiterated the need for unity among all Comorian people and are determined not to allow the events at Moheli to undermine the integrity of the peace process.

The parties expressed their gratitude for the support from countries of the region and the OAU to help the Comorian people usher in peace, democracy and stability to their country. In this regard, South Africa's Foreign Minister, Dr Dlamini Zuma, offered on behalf of South Africa US$ 1 000 000 (one million US dollars) for the consolidation of the peace process.

For its part, the Ministerial Delegation expressed satisfaction at the progress made thus far in preparation for the referendum, the new Constitution, peace, security and restoration of the territorial integrity of the Comoros.

The Delegation noted that the road ahead would be difficult, however, the people of the Comoros can draw inspiration from the support and solidarity from the countries of the region and the OAU.

The Delegation expressed the hope that the process will ultimately lead to the Comoros taking its rightful place as a peaceful, democratic and an equal member state of the OAU, helping to make this century, indeed, an African century.

The Ministerial Delegation had an occasion to visit and receive a briefing from the OAU military observers, under the leadership of Col Payne of the South African National Defence Force stationed in Anjouan, responsible for the weapons collection process, and was pleased with the progress being made.

Moroni, Comoros, 22 December 2001

For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, 22 December 2001