While recognizing the injustices of the past, Zuma stated that he believes "South Africa belongs to those who live in it."

After generalized statements condemning the developing world's victim status in the history of colonialism and slavery, Zuma begged the group to "not avoid critical and difficult issues" just because they are unpleasant to address. "We must heal the divisions of the past," he stated to passive applause.

Once Zuma concluded his remarks he turned the microphone over to a number of dignitaries, each of whom offered similar sentiments, including Jan Kavan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Dr. Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al- Sabah, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Amre Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States.

With little deviation, each dignitary took the podium, thanking the country of South Africa for its role as Conference host, while offering condolences to South African president Thabo Mbeki on the death of his father.

Each speaker then noted that the choice of South Africa as the location for the World Conference on Racism was no accident, referring to the nation's poster child status for institutionalized racism and its role as witness to horrendous intolerance.

In acknowledging Africa's suffering at the hands of slavery and colonialism, the dignitaries made generalized remarks about the need to recognize religious as well as racial discrimination and the need to mete out punishment for these "crimes against mankind."

While representatives from Armenia and the Czech Republic then used their time to highlight the suffering and persecution of people of their own countries, Kuwaiti minister, Al-Salem Al-Sabah and Arab League Secretary General, Moussa offered their unswerving support for Palestinian self determination.