President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday again criticised the Nato military action in Libya, saying the United Nations resolutions on Libya are being "misused".
"We are concerned about the ongoing conflict in Libya which is resulting in the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of property and a deteriorating humanitarian situation," he told the National Assembly during debate on his budget vote.
"We have spoken out against the misuse of the good intentions in Resolution 1973, which was co-sponsored by the Arab League and supported by African countries in the UN Security Council.
"We strongly believe that the Resolution is being abused for regime change, political assassinations and foreign military occupation."
These actions undermined the efforts of the African Union in finding solutions to the problems facing its member states. It also flew in the face of all efforts to promote the sanctity of international law.
"All parties must respect human rights and comply with international humanitarian law."
The events in Libya had re-emphasised the urgency for the full implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture, and also the reform of the UN Security Council.
"We express the hope that, following the briefing by the Ministers of the African Union ad-hoc High Level Committee on Libya to the UN Security Council tomorrow, 15th of June, common ground would be found on a political track as the best means towards a durable solution to the Libyan crisis."
Zuma has travelled to Libya twice this year on behalf of the AU in an attempt to find a solution to the conflict.
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