Government intentions on supporting Sanctions against Iran, Disinvestment of South African Companies who are invested in Iran, and if the Government will review its Diplomatic Relations with Iran with regard to the mounting Nuclear Production and stifling of Human Rights

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION NO: 294 (NW372E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO4-2012 OF 24 FEBRUARY 2012

Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. Whether the Government intends supporting sanctions against Iran; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

2. whether the Government intends to call for disinvestment of South African companies that are invested in Iran; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

3. whether the Government will review its diplomatic relations with Iran in light of its (a) mounting nuclear production and (b) the stifling of human rights; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW372E

REPLY:

1. As a member of the United Nations, South Africa is obliged to implement United Nations Security Council sanctions that have been imposed on any UN member state. The Government of South Africa does not subscribe to unilateral sanctions as an instrument of its international relations.

2. No, South Africa believes in finding a diplomatic solution to the challenges faced by Iran.

3. The Government has no reason to review its diplomatic relations with Iran. South Africa believes in constructive engagement with Iran in order to address the areas of concern, which includes its nuclear programme and human rights, within the context of its Joint Commission and through the exchange of high-level visits. The Government of South Africa has no intention to severe diplomatic relations with Iran, as its convinced that ongoing engagement with Iran is important, in the context of South Africa’s foreign policy.

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