South Africa's Zuma urges UN reform for a more just world order

PRETORIA, May 9. /TASS/. South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma urged on Saturday to endorse a "meaningful" reform of the United Nations to build a more just world order, the presidency said in a statement.

"With the celebration of 70 years since the end of the war and 70 years since the formation of the UN, the spotlight falls on the shape of the world order currently, especially the exclusion of Africa from the permanent membership of the UN Security Council. The time has come therefore, for the world to seriously reflect on this exclusion of Africa yet again, 70 years on, and seriously discuss the question of the meaningful reform of the UN Security Council, as we commemorate the contribution of Africa to the war against fascism,’’ the presidency quoted Zuma as saying.

The South African president arrived in Moscow on Friday to join in commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War Two.

"This is an important occasion as it marks a significant period in the history of the world, the defeat of fascism and Nazism. It is 70 years since the end of the war and 70 years since the formation of the United Nations," said President Zuma.

"Today we recall the promise that had been made to the oppressed African majority during the war by the then South African authorities, that the post-war world order would include self-determination for the oppressed in South Africa. It was not to be. It took a few more decades to achieve our freedom and we are delighted that we triumphed against the evil that was apartheid colonialism in the end,’’ Zuma said.

He added that South Africa would continue working for a better Africa and a better world "in memory of all our people who contributed to the war against fascism and those who fought relentlessly in the struggle against apartheid colonialism in our country".

On his trip to Russia, President Zuma is accompanied by Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. Other leaders, mainly from Asia, former Soviet republics and Latin America, have also arrived in the Russian capital to attend commemorative events.