Question NW3517 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

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14 October 2022 - NW3517

Profile picture: Bergman, Mr D

Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

When announcing the mobilisation of his countrymen to support his illegal invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to use all available means to deter future attacks, which was widely interpreted as a reference to the use of Russia nuclear weapons, the South African government condemn Putin veiled threat to use nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

South Africa has always opposed violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, in keeping with the UN Charter. South Africa is continuing to encourage all the parties, through diplomatic channels, within all relevant international mechanisms and in various bilateral engagements to find a lasting solution to the current situation in Ukraine, in full compliance with the UN Charter and universally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms.

South Africa believes that the mere possession of nuclear weapons constitutes a threat. The concept of nuclear deterrence, which is included in the military and security doctrines of all nuclear-weapon States, as well as States in nuclear security alliances and States under extended nuclear security guarantees, is itself a threat of use to convince another party to refrain from initiating some course of action. For this reason, any and all nuclear threats, whether they be explicit or implicit and irrespective of the circumstances are unequivocally opposed by South Africa.

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