Bua News
*Zuma agrees to release Donen report **Bua News, Government Communication and Information System, Pretoria, 18 October 2011*
Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has decided to publicly release the Donen Commission of Inquiry Report, which probed South Africa's involvement into the Iraq Oil for Food Programme.
"The President has decided to release the report, after careful consideration, in recognition of the public interest in the subject matter. It will be available to the public no later than 7 December," said Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj.
The Oil-for-Food Programme, which was has been shrouded in much controversy, was established by the United Nations in 1995. It was set up with the purpose of allowing Iraq to sell oil on the world market in exchange for food, medicine and other humanitarian needs for ordinary Iraqi citizens without allowing that country to boost its military capabilities.
The Presidency acknowledges that the nature of the report's contents could lend itself to much negative reception.
"The Presidency is aware of the potential misuse of the contents of the report. We wish to caution that the comments made in the report about individuals must not be elevated to findings of fact as these were interim and untried comments.
"Those who were caught up in the subject matter of the inquiry did not have an opportunity to deal with their alleged involvement fully... It must be emphasised that the Donen Report clearly established that the conduct of the individuals from South Africa affected by the report does not constitute any offence under South African law," said Maharaj on Tuesday.
The three-member Donen commission was established in 2006 by former President Thabo Mbeki, headed by Adv Donen SC as Chairperson assisted by Adv Andrew Chauke and Snr Supt Lucy Moleka.
The Commission submitted the report to the Presidency in June 2006. Former President Mbeki referred the report to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for assessment and advice. -- BuaNews
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