S/PV.3197 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its *" byi consideration of the item on its*g&n@+. a’1 ks”, ” “ The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The assassination of Chris Hani, a member of the ANC's National Executive Committee and the Secretary-General of the South African Communist Party, is a deplorable and troubling event, This brutal murder saddens all who are working for peace, democracy and justice in South Africa. Mr. Hani's murder further underscores the urgent need to end violence in the country and to push ahead with the negotiations which will create a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa. "Chris Hani actively supported these negotiations and only last week called for an end to violence so the negotiations could proceed in a climate of peace and stability. In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the announcements by all those who have reaffirmed their commitment to the negotiating process, including the ANC, the South African Communist ,Party and the Congress of South African Trade Unions. Negotiations leading to non-racial democracy must not be held hostage by the perpetrators of violence. "The Security Council states its determination to remain supportive of efforts to facilitate this peaceful transition to a non-racial democracy for the benefit of all South Africans." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security,Council under the symbol S/25578. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meetino rose at 6.30 o.m.