SAHARA PRESS SERVICE

Cape Town, 15/09/2004 (SPS) The Republic of South Africa announced its official recognition of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), according to a joint communiqué signed today by the Saharawi Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Salek and Mrs. Nkozazana Dlamini-Zuma, South African Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The communiqué, of which SPS received a copy, declares the decision of the two countries "to establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level as of Wednesday, 15th of September 2004".

"The two countries reaffirm their commitment towards the implementation of the UN/AU Peace Plan for Western Sahara and consider that speedy holding of a just, transparent and democratic referendum of self-determination constitutes the only viable way which both parties to the conflict agreed to and which received the supports of the entire international community", emphasised the communiqué.

This South African initiative "will bring a highly valued contribution to the return of peace and stability in the northern part of our continent through a fair and balanced approach towards all peoples of the region ", added the text.

On another hand, the Republic of South Africa eagerly the two parties to the conflict "to fully cooperate with Secretary General of the United Nations in order to successfully achieve the speedy implementation of the Peace Plan through the holding of a fair and unimpaired referendum".

On its part, the Saharawi Government expressed its gratitude to the people of South Africa and rendered "a warm homage to President Thabo Mbeki for the relentless efforts he has been deploying for the cause of peace, stability, prosperity and dignity for all Africans". (SPS)

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010/ALG/100/TRD 151538 SEPT 04 SPS.