Status on the Government's Efforts towards Human Rights, Peace and Stability with the Presence of South Africans in Iraq without the Mandate of the Government

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO: PQ 57

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 17 OF 31 MAY 2005

Mr KO Bapela (DA) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
Whether the large presence of South Africans in Iraq without the mandate of the Government augments or complements the Government's efforts towards human rights, peace and stability; if not, what is the Government doing about the activities of these South Africans in Iraq; if so, how?
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REPLY:

The South African Government remains committed to actively supporting international efforts, through the United Nations, to restore peace and stability, as well as to promote respect for human rights, in Iraq.

The Government however remains concerned regarding the involvement of South African citizens in any activities which are in contravention of the Foreign Military Assistance Act and has taken the necessary steps prescribed in the act where such activities come to its attention. In this regard, it will be recalled that the Minister of Defence had announced on 27 October 2004, during a press briefing in Parliament, that nearly 100 South Africans were under investigation in terms of the Act.