South Africa, 14 other African countries abstain in UN vote over Russia
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South Africa was among 15 African countries that abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia for its holding of referendums in four occupied Ukrainian provinces last month before annexing them to Russia.
Wednesday’s vote means South Africa has abstained from every UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, drawing strong criticism. However, 14 other African nations also abstained while 27 voted in favour of it. None voted against it.
The resolution debated whether to condemn Russia’s “illegal so-called referendums” in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia was carried by the necessary two-thirds majority of UN members, with 143 votes for, five against and 35 abstentions.
The resolution also noted that Russia’s actions violated Article 2 of the Charter of the UN which obliges UN members to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and to settle all international disputes peacefully.
South Africa’s ambassador to the UN, Mathu Joyini said Pretoria considered the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be “sacrosanct”, but added that some elements of the resolution did not contribute towards resolving the conflict.
She said South Africa is seeking a cessation of hostilities and urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to mediate in the conflict.
-0- PANA CU/MA 13Oct2022
