Mr Chairman, the IFP echoes the sentiments of President Thabo Mbeki, and I think of late of Mr Gibson, and welcomes South Africa's appointment to the nonpermanent seat of the Security Council of the United Nations. We believe the appointment will create a platform which will not only project a positive profile and international image of South Africa, but will also give South Africa leverage to discuss and promote, within the powerful nations of the United Nations, the aspirations of the poor nations of Africa, and other developing countries.
The IFP also believes that South Africa's appointment will create another platform to put the African agenda firmly before the United Nations and enable South Africa to be closely involved with the serious question of international peace and security.
Further, South Africa's seat on the Security Council will enable it to continue from a position of average influence to lobby for the continuing struggle to transform the United Nations. I thank you.