UN General Assembly
1993

at the latest. Concerning South Africa, we are following events there closely, in particular the multiparty negotiations, which we hope will meet with success and constitute the foundations of a new, multiracial reality. The withdrawal of significant forces in South African society from those negotiations is a cause for concern, and could have a negative impact on the normal course of the transition process, which, as we all hope, will end with the holding of elections next year. The spread of violence in South Africa provides a special cause for concern, as pointed out by the European Community observer mission in South Africa and the Goldstone Commission, in both of which Portugal is participating actively. We deeply regret the violence, which cannot but jeopardize the path to national reconciliation. We must stress, however, the positive aspect, namely the progress achieved with the 7 September agreement at the multiparty negotiations on the creation of the Transitional Executive Council. This was achieved by the efforts of the various parties that believe in a consensus solution for the political transition in South Africa.