S. Africa-U.S. frictions

South Africa's interests do not necessarily coincide with those of the United States, and it is time Washington grasped this point.

The Clinton administration is none too happy about a deal that will see South Africa store 15 million barrels of Iranian oil at Saldanha Bay. It argues that Tehran should be denied this source of revenue while it supports terrorism and pursues weapons of mass destruction.

Given America's international machinations over the past 50 years, this is rich indeed. Washington has no right to expect South Africa to enforce America's unilateral embargo.

There have also been other areas of dispute recently. The United States doesn't like our Cuban policy and there have been mumbles about South Africa's inability to provide adequate protection for intellectual property.

Each issue must be considered separately, but we are glad that South Africa is standing firm on the oil deal. South Africa has a right to an independent trade policy, and its friends should respect that.

-- The Star, Johannesburg