Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura on the General Election in the Republic of South Africa

June 8, 1999

Japan welcomes the fact that on June 2 in the Republic of South Africa, the second democratic general election following the first one in 1994 was implemented peacefully and smoothly under international monitoring, and on June 8, the impartial result of the said election was announced. Japan congratulates the Republic of South Africa upon another great step forward towards genuine democracy.
Japan pays its homage to the achievements of President Mandela, whose intention to resign has already been announced. At the same time, we would like to express our expectation for the new government to be formed following this election to continue making efforts for national reconciliation and development of South Africa as well as for the renaissance of the entire African Continent. Japan intends to keep on supporting the efforts of the Government of the Republic of South Africa as a partner to cooperate for the stability and development of Africa as well as international issues such as pursuit of human rights and democracy, and arms control and disarmament.
In view of the importance of this election to South Africa, Japan dispatched two election observers from the private sector and four from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and also provided grass-roots project grants totalling approximately 40 million yen to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to support election management and procurement of equipment necessary for voter education.

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