20101231
reuters

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will on Saturday assume its seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2011 and 2012.

This follows its election to this body by 182 member states of the General Assembly in October, the International Relations and Cooperation Ministry announced on Friday.

"South Africa is committed to making a contribution to the work of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, especially in Africa, and through this the betterment of the conditions and lives of all. To this end South Africa will forge close partnerships with the other members of the Security Council," said Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

"South Africa will continue its efforts to promote and enhance the Security Council's cooperation with regional organizations, particularly the African Union's Peace and Security Council of which South Africa is currently a member. Closer co-operation between these two bodies will contribute to enhancing the convergence of perspectives and approaches in tackling and responding to peace and security challenges in Africa," she added.

The minister said the Security Council membership will also provide an opportunity for South Africa to work towards the achievement of a representative, legitimate and more effective Security Council.

"In its actions South Africa will be guided by the commitment to upholding international law and universal values and to helping others protect or achieve their inherent and inalienable rights," Nkoana-Mashabane said.

The ministry has assembled a team of diplomats and officials, both at the headquarters and in New York for this important internal task.

"We will endeavor to forge and maintain a close working relationship with all stakeholders, both domestic and external. We will also do our best to ensure that we keep our public informed," the minister said.