Dlamini-Zuma defends policy on Zimbabwe, Iran

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the foreign affairs minister

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the foreign affairs minister, has again defended South Africa's foreign policy towards Zimbabwe and Iran. She says the economic and political crises in Zimbabwe can only be resolved by the people of that country.

She rejected suggestions that South Africa was supporting Iran's nuclear programme when she tabled her department's budget vote in Parliament.
From the onset, Dlamini Zuma acknowledged that though progress has been achieved in resolving conflict in Africa, the situation is still critical in some countries. She applauded progress achieved in the Democratic Republic of Congo and re-iterated the government's commitment in assisting the Congolese in preparing for their first democratic elections in July.

But of greater to opposition parties, was the political stalemate in Zimbabwe. The Inkatha Freedom Party called on President Thabo Mbeki not to give up the struggle of resolving the crisis and should involve all stakeholders. The Democratic Alliance called on government to cut off aid and impose smart sanctions against Zimbabwe.

Dlamini-Zuma rejected the suggestion. She said even the European Union's smart sanctions have not assisted efforts to resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe. She says they actually have no way, even if they wanted Zimbabwe to go this way and have a tool of forcing them to go that way.

She also rejected suggestions that South Africa was blindly supporting Iran's nuclear programme. "We are not supporting them blindly but we are adamant on the fact that Iran like all other members has the right to peaceful use of nuclear technology." Political parties across the spectrum supported the budget.