Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Jun 1980

Vol. 322 No. 5

Written Answers. - South African Freedom Charter.

42.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that 26 June is the 25th anniversary of the South African Freedom Charter; and if he will outline the action, if any, the Government propose to take to commemorate this anniversary, and the representations, if any, he proposes to make directly to the South African Government.

I am aware that a "Freedom Charter" was adopted at a meeting on 26 June 1955 by a number of South African organisations. I am, generally, in sympathy with the aspirations and objectives contained in the charter—and end to apartheid and equality for all in South Africa. It is not, however, our practice to commemorate specific anniversaries of this nature.

The Government will continue to make known as the United Nations their opposition to apartheid and their view that fundamental changes leading to the abolition of apartheid are required. The Government will also continue to seek such changes in co-operation with its partners in the Nine but consider that, in the absence of diplomatic relations, representations by Ireland directly to South Africa are not likely to be effective.

Top
Share