02 August 2001
Joint statement by COSATU, SACP, and SANCO on the threat by the US government to boycott the world conference against racism and xenophobia
We have heard with great disgust the ongoing threats by George W. Bushs administration to boycott the forthcoming UN World Conference against Racism and Xenophobia, due to be held in Durban at the end of this month, August 2001.
The attempt by the US to blackmail the World Conference arises from the ongoing problems related to globalisation after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the emergence of a unipolar world dominated by the US. We have in the past raised the need to transform the United Nations and all institutions such as the UN's security council where the US has veto power. In a similar manner, we have called for the transformation of all other multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary fund, and the World Trade Organisation.
Too often, the United States resorts to blockades and military acts to blackmail and bully wherever it does not find its way. Now, that this bully would not be able to use veto power in the conference, it is resorting to threats of boycott and blackmail. As predicted, Colin Powell and Koffi Annan, who themselves rank among the victims of racism, are trying to outdo each other in the service of their masters.
To this we say, COSATU, SACP and SANCO are firmly behind the stance taken by the South African government that debates must take place on the issue of reparations for the victims of racism and the Palestine question as well as the broader Middle East. Instead of the US government threatening a boycott, they should show the same degree of enthusiasm as when the issue of reparations for the victims of Nazism was discussed. We are asking for consistency. Failure to be consistent on the matter of reparations seems to us to be a racist statement in itself.
As the leadership and membership of COSATU, SANCO and the SACP, we call for a united front of all South Africans, black and white, who are opposed to racism to unite firmly against the US blackmail, dictatorship and racism.
To this end, COSATU, SACP, and SANCO leadership will be staging a picket at the US embassy in Pretoria and the Consulate in Durban on the 16th August 2001 to protest against the attempt by the Bush Administration to hold the whole world to ransom.
We further make a call to our structures in each and every province to make an effort to be part of the march in Durban on 1st September 2001.
The time has come for the Bush Administration to be told that the conference is convened by the United Nations, inviting governments on the assumption that they are opposed to racism and xenophobia. If this is not palatable with the stance of the Bush Administration on this issue, then their participation will not be missed.
For more information contact:
Mazibuko Jara: Media, SACP Information and Publicity Officer
Cell: 083 651 0271
Or
Patrick Craven and Moloto Mothapo: Acting COSATU Spokespersons
Cell: 082 821 7456
E-Mail: patrick@cosatu.org.za
Tell: 011 339 4911
Or
Donovan Williams: Policy and Research Officer, SANCO
Cell: 083 680 9599