| Statement
by Minister Essop Pahad on the Withdrawal of the USA Delegation from WCAR, 3 September
2001 The SA government views the
withdrawal of the USA delegation or any other delegation as unfortunate and unnecessary.
It will be unfortunate if a perception were to develop that the USA’s withdrawal from
the Conference is merely a red-herring demonstrating an unwillingness to confront the real
issues posed by racism in the USA and globally.
The Conference will continue in the spirit in which it has
been conducted thus far-a melting pot of a number of perspectives. Any delegations
withdrawing from this process will deny not only this conference of their experience and
insight but will also be denying themselves a vital learning experience.
The representatives of the entire international community
gathered in Durban, are united in their resolve, not to be distracted from the Conference
agenda but to forge ahead with deliberations and discussions which must result in a clear
programme of action aimed at pushing back the frontiers of racism, xenophobia and related
intolerances.
In this regard, the WCAR will continue to focus its
attention on the issues of addressing the impact of racism, protecting the vulnerable from
any current and future forms of discrimination as well as develop a programme for the
systemic overcoming of centuries of colonialism.
Issued by SA WCAR Communication
For more information contact
Minister Essop Pahad at 082-552-3564
Abba Omar at 082-414-3383
Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
3 September 2001
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