The conference seeks to reflect on the status of the territory under international law, the principle of self-determination, the respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, obligations on third states and the lawfulness and/or legitimacy of natural resource exploitation in Western Sahara.
The conference is convened within the context of South Africa's foreign policy, which is guided by the principle and vision of "a better South Africa in a better Africa and a better World".
Key to this foreign policy precept is the promotion of a rules based international order through multilateralism.
The conflict in Western Sahara and the response from the international community in resolving the issue presents a pertinent case study for the assertion that legality remains the essential prerequisite for the resolution of conflict between nations.
Accordingly, South Africa, as a member of the United Nations and the African Union, is obligated to actively support the legitimate right of the Saharawi People to choose their own destiny.
On 15 September 2004, South Africa took a decision to recognise the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) when it became clear that Morocco had ruled out any possibility for a referendum for self-determination, in contravention of Security Council resolution 1495.
Cape Town - 04/12/2008
Pana
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