violence. Its source has been attributed variously to factional strife, to complicity of elements of the security forces and to terrorist activities by the extreme right. It is not my intention to apportion blame or responsibility. Maintenance of law and order is a primary duty of the Government but it is incumbent upon all parties concerned to contribute to the creation of an atmosphere in which negotiations can take place unhindered by fear. It would be remiss of me not to express special concern about the growing allegations of the culpability of elements of the security forces in these incidents. That is all the more disturbing since the effective discharge of their responsibilities requires that they carry with them public trust and confidence. The very recent report of the Goldstone Commission of Inquiry instituted by the South African Government reflected adversely on the conduct of some police officials and suggests the need for impartial investigation of incidents involving the security forces. The South African Government has committed itself to undertake consideration of the lifting of the state of emergency in Natal as early as possible. It is my hope that urgent consideration will also be given to the Transvaal province, where emergency regulations were recently imposed. As was stated in my report, apartheid laws and repressive security regulations have adversely affected domestic tranquility and the people's sense of security and well-being. I am encouraged to see that the South African Government has undertaken in its Joint Declaration with the ANC tos "continue reviewing security legislation and its application in order to ensure free political activity and with the view to introducing amendments to the legislation at the next session of Parliament." JSM/edd A/44/PV.97 11 (The Secretary-General) It is also my hope that there will be an early repeal of the basic legislative 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement from a high-ranking official, likely the Secretary-General of the United Nations, addressing the situation of violence and law and order in South Africa. The focus is on the political situation, specifically the allegations of government forces' involvement in violence and the need for an impartial investigation. The text also mentions the impact of apartheid laws on domestic tranquility and the people's sense of security.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International relations