in various parts of the world who should return to their country to take part in the political process gping on there. Their return will be a major administrative exercise, because they too must be examined on a case-by-case basis. That is what has been stated by the South African Government in recent briefings there. The delays are indeed interminable, and the chances of changing the situation are numerous. The release of prisoners and the return of exiles are a very high priority in the Declaration we are discussing and the process we are examining. Both the OAU report and the Secretary-General's report concur on the figure of 3,000 political prisoners in South Africa. Consequently, it is inconceivable that the international community could be satisfied with the release of only the 104 persons mentioned in the Secretary-General's report. Clearly a large number still have to be released. As already indicated by the Secretary-General in his statement this morning, at the Pretoria meeting on 6 August there was agreement BCT/edd/at A/44/PV.97 30 (Mr. Shamuyarira, Zimbabwe) that the releases would begin on 1 October and that it would take some time to complete them. But there is already indication that it is going to take much longer. Given the very dark spectre of continuing violence or increasing violence to which I have referred, one doubts that the process will be started or will proceed as envisaged in the Pretoria communiqué. RM/10 A/44/PV.97 31 (Mr. Shamuyarira. Zimbabwe) Equally, on the question of political detainees we find that the situation on the ground in South Africa leaves a lot to be desired. The report of the Secretary-General states that, as of 1 July this year, 49 people were still being detained in South Africa, 47 under the Internal Security Act and two under the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the political situation in South Africa, specifically the release of political prisoners and the return of exiles. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a focus on international relations and politics. The text also references reports and communiqués, which further supports the idea that it is related to international politics.

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