MEDIA BRIEFINGS
15 February 2005
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, PEACE AND SECURITY CLUSTER
Chairperson: Minister N Dlamini-Zuma
Documents handed out: None
MINUTES
Briefing by Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that government’s policies have generally remained the same, because the principles underlying South Africa’s foreign policy will remain true for many years. She stated that 2004 saw major elections on the continent in Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles and Botswana. Two new presidents were elected, one in Mozambique and one in Namibia. The death of the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mr Yasser Arafat, heralded a new era in the Middle East, as it was now time for those who were against him and those who supported him to work together for peace. A further major event was the United States of America elections, in which George W. Bush was re-elected as President.
The year did however end on a sad note with the tsunami disaster in the east, and it claimed South African lives as well. The South African government must play a part in the recovery process because it was part of the global village. The United Nations (UN) was currently working on an early warning system to ensure that such a phenomenon does not sneak up again.
There had been no major shifts in government’s priorities for 2005, which included:
- the implementation of the Ivory Coast peace agreement, which was a responsibility given by President Mbeki;
- peace on the continent was not an optional luxury, but must instead be done continuously until the whole continent is free of conflict, violence and war;
- South African celebration of the Freedom Charter, which was a very important instrument because it reflected the aims and expectations of the people;
- the trading of goods in the market must be grown, especially via NEPAD, and the wealth of the continent must be expanded;
- the cluster must continue to conclude bi-lateral agreements with other countries, with special emphasis placed on Africa, central Asia and the far East. South Africa’s first ambassador to central Asia will be deployed soon;
- tourism in South Africa must be strengthened. She stated that South Africans were under the mistaken impression that most of its tourists were from Europe and the rest of the world, whereas 66% of all tourists that visited South African shores were in fact from other African countries. Travel between African countries must be made easier;
- more focus will be placed on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations and on the WTO generally, especially to encourage trade. Attention must also be paid to UN reform;
- the Beijing + 10 conference will be held in a few days’ time, which will focus on the implementation of the decisions taken at the Beijing conference that emphasised the emancipation of women in all dimensions. South Africa was not excelling with regard to its implementation, but was doing considerably better than most countries on;
- the progressive government initiative;
- co-operation with IPSA will be strengthened;
- Indonesia will be visited in April to strengthen trade and economic links between South Africa and Asia;
- strengthening of South Africa’s relationship with the Caribbean countries, and a conference will also be held in due time as part of South Africa’s 10 year anniversary of democracy celebration; and
- the establishment of the Pan African Parliament will continue, especially working towards gender parity.
The hope was that Tongo would return to a constitutional state as quickly as possible, with assistance from the African Union and other countries. South Africa will continue its conflict resolution work, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. An agreement was also concluded with Sudan, and it was hoped that the conflict in that country would be resolved as soon as possible. She stated that she would be meeting with the African Union’s Reconstruction Committee in Cape Town on Thursday to discuss the Sudan situation. Efforts were also being made to re-establish Somalia as a state, and South Africa will play its part as part of the African Union.
In a few weeks time South Africa will be focusing on the election to be held in Zimbabwe. As per the State President’s instruction, government will be strengthening its contact with Swaziland.
Questions
Q] Should the French troops leave the Ivory Coast or should they remain there?
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma replied that the French troops were there due to a bilateral agreement reached between the Ivory Coast and France. The French troops were already stationed in the Ivory Coast before the conflict arose. It was for the government of the Ivory Coast to decide whether the presence of the French troops was facilitating the resolution of the conflict. South Africa was asked to assist in the implementation of the agreement.
Q] What would happen if the Ivory Coast did not hold elections in October 2005?
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma responded that South Africa’s experience indicated that it was not always wise to speculate when dealing with conflict resolution. Efforts should instead be focused on deciding on the way forward and ensuring that elections are held in the Ivory Coast.
Q] Did government’s drive to ensure that South Africa attracted more tourists from the continent mean that all African countries would be granted visa exemptions? Was this already on the book as there was a problem on this matter with the previous Home Affairs Minister?
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma replied that no blanket exemption would be granted, and would always be dealt with on a country by country basis. The principle that should underlie this is the encouragement of visits to South Africa.
Q] Was South Africa not facing a diplomatic conundrum with regard to IPSA as both Brazil and India have requested South Africa to back their candidate for the WTO position?
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma responded that there were many candidates at this stage. The Ministers of Trade from countries in the developing world will consider how to maximise the chances of a candidate from the developing world being elected, because the developing world has many concerns and issues in common which a candidate would raise.
Q] At the beginning of February a report was handed to the UN Security Council recommending investigation and prosecution of members of the Sudan government and the allied militias for crimes against humanity, requesting that the individuals named be referred to the International Criminal Court in the Hague. Minister Dlamini-Zuma was requested to explain South Africa’s position on the matter.
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma responded that she was yet to receive a copy of the report, and an opinion cannot therefore be expressed until such time.
Q] COSATU planned a march and even blockading of South African borders to protest against the Zimbabwean government’s oppressive action against trade unions in Zimbabwe. Could Minister Dlamini-Zuma explain the South African government’s reaction to such action?
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma replied that government’s reaction would be in accordance with the laws of the land.
Q] Clarity was sought on whether the SADC countries will be observing the Zimbabwean elections.
A] The Deputy Minister replied that Zimbabwe did adhere to the SADC guidelines on elections, and the SADC countries were awaiting a formal invitation from Zimbabwe to observe.
Q] Surely it was a concern that the Zimbabwean government has not yet invited SADC to observe the elections. Minister Dlamini-Zuma was asked to indicate the steps taken to ensure that the SADC delegation arrived in Zimbabwe as soon as possible, as the SADC protocol stipulated that the observers should have been there 90 days before the election.
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma responded that the Zimbabwean government adhered to the time frames for the invitation of observers. SADC aims to ensure that the elections take place in accordance with its guidelines. It would be a cause of concern if South Africa were not invited to attend.
Q] The State President was quoted as saying that "I have spoken to President Mugabe and if SADC wants to go they are welcome to go tomorrow".
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma replied that she had spoken to member states about the assembly of a SADC team that would observe the Zimbabwean elections, and it would then be ready to go to Zimbabwe once assembled.
Q] Minister Dlamini-Zuma was asked to explain whether the South African government was awaiting a SADC invitation or whether it was awaiting the assembly of a SADC delegation.
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma responded that South Africa was awaiting a formal invitation from the Zimbabwean government. The Zimbabwean government has however not expressly stated that SA could not observe.
Q] Minister Dlamini-Zuma was asked to explain whether that meant that the South African government could go at any time?
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma replied that the SADC guidelines did not compel a country to invite observers, and there was an agreement between states that observers would be allowed. It was thus totally possible for a country not to extend an invitation for observers.
Q] If SADC was not invited to observe the election, which steps would it take to address the matter?
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma responded that the South African government would act diplomatically. She stated that again it was not wise to speculate as to whether the elections would not take place.
Q] Minister Dlamini-Zuma was asked to explain whether it was the view of the South African government that enough had been done by the Zimbabwean government to ensure a free and fair election?
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma replied that so far everything has been conducted in accordance with the SADC guidelines.
Q] Minister Dlamini-Zuma was asked to indicate the country that the first South African central Asian ambassador has been allocated to, as well as to provide further information on the Summit to be held later this year.
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma responded that the summit will be held in Indonesia in April and will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Bandor. The ambassador would be stationed in Kazahkstan. The South African embassy in that country has already been established, and the appointment of its first South African ambassador is now awaited.
Q] During his visit to Colombia last week Bishop Tutu stated that he would be requesting President Mbeki to invite Colombian rebels to South Africa for peace talks. Minister Dlamini-Zuma was requested to indicate whether South Africa would be leading the mediation in Colombia.
A] Minister Dlamini-Zuma replied that this question was best answered by Bishop Tutu himself.
Minister of Defence briefing
Q] Military experts have stated that South Africa required a rotation of six soldiers, whereas foreign deployments were already running as low as three to one. Minister Lekota was asked to indicate where South Africa would find enough soldiers.
A] Minister Lekota responded the Department was working hard to complete its stand-by forces complement. These forces did not only consist of South African troops but also troops from other countries in the region, as South Africa should not bear this responsibility all alone. The Department was engaged in a very energetic and increased recruitment drive that aimed at younger people, and greater focus was being placed on peacekeeping forces.
Q] There had been contradictory reports on South Africa’s peacekeeping troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and their involvement in any sort of abuse. Minister Lekota was asked to explain whether the UN was currently investigating South African troops in the DRC.
A] Minister Lekota replied that he has not received the report from the UN. There were matters that SANDF members were not happy with, such as salaries, and this was currently being dealt with. The SA troops were doing exceptionally well in Burundi and the DRC. The troops in the DRC were under the command of the UN and the Department has not received any report from the UN on their performance. South African forces have been in the DRC for more than 6 months now, and the feeling was that they would not commit abuses such as those committed by the American forces. The SANDF was held in high esteem.
Q] Minister Lekota was asked to indicate whether, in view of the broader transformation of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department was managing to retain scarce skills, bring in new purpose and re-purpose the SANDF at the same time.
A] Minister Lekota responding that the Department was doing very well in this regard. Significant progress has been made in ensuring gender and racial representativity within the SANDF. There has been a shift in approach in that all new staff would join on a voluntary basis and they can thus leave if they so wish. The reality of the matter was that some remained with the SANDF not by choice, but because it secured them a paycheck. Approximately 75% of current SANDF staff were in this position. The Department has increased its skill levels and has provided basic conflict resolution management skills to its staff.
Q] Minister Lekota was asked to indicate his Department’s intelligence on HIV prevalence amongst South African troops and the extent to which this might impact on their effectiveness, especially in peacekeeping operations.
A] Minister Lekota replied that recruits were tested for all illnesses that would negatively affect the efficient and proper execution of their duties, and this included HIV/AIDS which would disqualify them from certain SANDF positions.
Q] Minister Lekota was asked to provide the current prevalence rate, if this was something that the SANDF tested for.
A] Minister Lekota responded that the current prevalence rate stood at 17-23%, which was an acceptable rate. The Department had launched a project that aimed to encourage all SANDF staff to go for voluntary testing.
Q] During the last briefings Minister Lekota expressed his concern at South African soldiers who were involved in Iraq and other conflict areas, either during their leave or having gone AWOL. Minister Lekota was asked to provide an update on this situation.
Q] Minister Lekota indicated that 70% of current SANDF troops were happy to be there, and whether this meant that the remaining 30% preferred fighting in Iraq as soldiers of fortune. Were there members of the old white South African Defence Force (SADF) who were happy to remain with the SANDF?
A] Minister Lekota replied to these two questions by stating that his figures and statements must not be misinterpreted. He stated that some remained with the SANDF when they were not compelled to do so. There were SANDF personnel who purported to leave for Iraq simply as volunteers, when it later transpired that their true motives were different. It was not necessarily accurate that by implication 30% of SANDF staff was dissatisfied, as the figure could in fact be smaller. The majority of those SANDF officers who left for Iraq were white males from the old SADF, and there were only two black officers who left for Iraq, who were also from the old SADF.
Q] Minister Lekota was asked to explain whether he would be discussing the possible role of Angola as a peacekeeping force in conflict areas in Africa with the Angolan delegation that will be visiting South Africa shortly.
A] Minister Lekota responded in the affirmative. Special topics of discussion would be the role to be played in the preparations for elections in the DRC.
Q] Minister Lekota was asked to explain the fate of the now infamous 32 Battalion.
A] Minister Lekota replied that 32 Battalion consisted of officers from the old SADF. They had all been granted South African citizenship.