|
Notes on Media Briefing by Deputy Minster of Foreign Affairs
Aziz Pahad, Thursday, 25 November 2004 Media Center - Union Buildings Conclusion
of Minister Dlamini Zuma's visit to the European Union:
· Minister
led 1st SA - EU Joint Co-operation Council meeting to Brussels, Belgium on 23
November 2004, which now become an annual meeting;
· Importance of visit
should be seen in the light of the coming into force of the SA - EU Trade, Development
and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA);
· The visit was also significant
following shortly on President Mbeki's recent visit to the EU to ensure further
consolidation of relations;
· South Africa and the EU expressed their
satisfaction that full implementation of the TDCA deepened and broadened existing
co-operation in all areas covered by the agreement
· The eradication
of poverty through economic growth is a central theme in SA - EU Trade relations.
In this regard, the parties welcomed the positive results emanating from the provisional
application of the TDCA.
· They both noted that since provisional application
of the TDCA in January 2000, bilateral trade has grown by close to 50%. The EU
remains SA's largest economic partner.
· Both parties noted the discussions
between President Mbeki and President Barosso on regional policies of the EU and
challenges facing South Africa in supporting the underdeveloped part of its economy
.
· In this regard, the EU was informed that South Africa will be sending
a team of senior government to the European Union in 2005 to study the application
of pre-accession instruments of the TDCA. Visits of Minister Dlamini
Zuma to the Gulf States and the Middle East: Oman, Kuwait, Iran:
·
Minister Dlamini Zuma, is due to visit the Gulf States of Oman and Kuwait from
1 to 5 December 2004. South Africa has identified the Gulf States as key in expansion
of its bilateral relations
· Official visit to the Oman, 1 - 3 December
2004:
- Minister Dlamini Zuma will hold bilateral talks with her counterpart,
Mr bin Abdullah and will officially open the South African Embassy in Muscat.
-
Minister Dlamini Zuma will also sign two trade-related agreements:
- a Bilateral
Trade Agreement;
- an Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection
of Investments between South Africa and Oman.
- Bilateral trade figures are
modest, but increasing - in 2002 it amounted to approximately R123 million and
in 2003 R211million. The Minister will thus also meet with representatives of
the business community to assist in further expanding and diversifying our trade
relations.
- Oman is an active member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for
Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC) and our two countries have been working hard together
to promote the developmental agenda of the South.
- We are also looking forward
to greater co-operation between the SADC and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC),
as regional organisations.
- The transformation and restructuring of the United
Nations system will be discussed. We would appreciate Oman's support for South
Africa's intention to seek a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, depending
on the recommendations of the December UN report to the Secretary-General.
·
Official visit to the State of Kuwait, 3 - 5 December 2004:
- The visit will
include formal bilateral discussions at senior level and signing of a Bilateral
Trade Agreement between South Africa and Kuwait and an Agreement on the Reciprocal
Promotion and Protection of Investment.
- Provide an opportunity to discuss
developments in Iraq, given SA has no representative in Iraq. SA is supportive
of Kuwait's positive role in the reconstruction of Iraq.
- given South Africa's
desire to expand reciprocal trade and investment
with Kuwait, Minister Dlamini
Zuma will meet with prominent members of Kuwait's business
community. Over
the last four years, the Kuwaiti private sector has invested several hundred million
US dollars in South Africa, largely in the tourism and hotel industries.
-
Trade has increased significantly - bilateral trade in 2003 was valued at R774
million, more than double the R300 million in 2002. South Africa is hoping to
improve our economic diplomacy especially through increased exports of beneficiated
goods and new investments.
· Official visit to Iran, 14 and 15 December
2004:
- Minister Dlamini Zuma will co-chair 8th South Africa - Iran Joint Bilateral
Commission (JBC);
- The SA official delegation will include officials from
the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, Minerals and Energy Affairs,
Communications, Public Enterprises, Arts and Culture, Environmental Affairs and
Tourism, Housing and Transport;
- The substantial trade deficit in favour of
Iran is of concern to us and Iran has indicated that it wishes to work with us
to reduce the imbalance in our trade relations by among others, looking at imports
form South Africa.
- South Africa is looking forward to getting a briefing
on progress made by Iran in working with the IAEA. It is hoped that this will
assist in creating conditions that will contribute to peace in the Middle East
and Iraq.
- SA will also seek Iran's support for our intention to seek a permanent
seat on a restructured UN Security Council. Visit of Minister Dlamini
Zuma to Indonesia: 9 - 11 December 2004
· Minister Dlamini Zuma
will pay an official bilateral visit to Indonesia from 9-11 December 2004.
·
Discussion will focus mainly on preparations for the 50 the Bandung Conference
to be held in Indonesia in 2005 and the launch of the Asia - Africa strategic
partnership. Feedback on the Summit of the International Conference on
the Great Lakes region: 19 - 20 November 2004.
· South Africa
is the 8th largest contributing force to UN peacekeeping operations and troops
are deployed inter alia in Ethiopia, Eritrea, DRC, Burundi and recently the sending
of troops and police to Darfur.
· SA is a strong economic power on
the Continent and has an historic responsibility to play a role in securing peace
and stability in Africa and that is why President Mbeki is playing such an important
personal role.
· Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo and myself attended the
Great Lakes Summit in Dar Es Salaam, organised under the auspices of the UN and
the AU.
· The Conference was attended by the core countries of : Angola,
Burundi, Central African Republic Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya,
Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.
· The Summit was arranged around
four themes: Peace and Security; Good Governance and Democracy; Economic Development
and Regional Integration; Humanitarian and Social Issues.
· The Summit
adopted the Declaration (A Summary is attached) based on the recommendations made
by the Ministers as well as the Group of Friends who acted in support of the core
countries throughout the conference. These areas included DDRRR (Demobilisation,
Disarmament, Reintegration, Repatriation and Resettlement), the treatment of displaced
persons, gender equity in the processes, and regional integration.
·
On Rwanda - we have had developments yesterday with threats from Rwanda to move
into the DRC to forcefully disarm what is termed the negative forces, which have
apparently crossed into some areas. Our view is that the UN is in place in the
DRC to fulfil this role, but urgent attention must be given to the commitment
to forcefully disarm the forces and close down the camps creating instability
in the region. Three important challenges are:
- to disarm and demobilisation
of the negative forces;
- integration of forces and army;
- putting electoral
laws in place. Progress re SA's mediation in Ivory Coast:
·
Ecowas and the AU Commissioner Konare have asked President Mbeki to help unblock
political blockages to the Marcoussis and Accra III agreements. This is all being
done under the AU leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
· During
the first round of talks in Ivory Coast, the SA delegation met all players including
President Gbagbo, the main opposition parties and members of the armed wing confronting
the army.
· Key problem areas have been identified and the Minister
of Defence, Mosiuoa Lekota started discussions on these issues in Ivory Coast
on Wednesday 24 November 2004 and will today, Thursday 25 November hold meetings
with parliamentarians.
· President Mbeki's visit next week will be based
on the outcomes thus far and we will then see what can be done to push the process
forward and make final recommendations to the AU. We cannot allow the situation
to deteriorate further. QUESTION & ANSWERS: 1. Date of
Pres. Mbeki's visit to the Ivory Coast?- Reply: this will take place around the
middle to the latter part of next week and will be finalised upon the return of
Minister Lekota. 2. Is the main purpose of the Minister's visit to campaign
for a UN seat? - Reply: These visits have been planned a long time ago and as
outlined has specific purposes especially in expanding our contacts and representation
in the Gulf States and unlock some of the money in the region for investment in
Africa. Most SADC Ambassadors have also encouraged SA to assist in marketing our
region and NEPAD to these states. The issue of the UN seats has become relevant
as we approach the outcome of the UN report. 3. What is the African and
AU view on South Africa's campaigning for the position? - Reply: The AU has appointed
a committee of 10 foreign ministers - 2 from each REC to look at how to deal with
the issue if the UN decides to allocate permanent seats on a Continental basis
ie one for Africa, Latin America and Asia. South Africa adhered to the African
processes on this issue, but a number of African countries individually at the
G59 announced their candidacy.
4. What can SA propose if the opposition
in the Ivory Coast has indicated that they would not participate in a Government
of National Unity? Reply: Solutions cannot be found by pre-determining the outcome
of the process. The issue of a Government of National Unity was not part of the
Marcoussis and Accra III agreements and it is thus not an issue at present. All
parties are in at one that the fundamentals of the agreements are to be implemented
to solve the crisis. The question now is how to unblock the obstacles in doing
this. 5. Why has SA waited so long to engage in Gulf area and why this over-emphasis?
- Reply: Until 1994 most Arabic countries had imposed sanctions against South
Africa and we had no representation in the Gulf. Contact was limited to exiles
meeting abroad with these countries sometimes at NAM meetings. It was only in
the post-1994 period that it became possible to open missions in the Gulf States.
As we have a drive to open mission in all African countries by 2008, we are pushing
our representation in this region. There is also a drive to intensify the relations
between African and Arabic countries to unlock the potential for co-operation
and strengthen South-South relations. 6. How can the Rwandese threat that
would further destabilise the Great Lakes Region be tackled? - Reply: As I said
before the threat is because of 'genocides' perpetrating attacks into Rwandese
territory. SA will continue to call for calm especially on Rwandese side and we
will insist on dismantling of the camps at the core of the problem. 7. Will
Angola be asked to provide troops for UN peace-keeping in the DRC? Reply: Angola
is part of the core group of countries in the Great Lakes process and is already
providing training assistance in the area. It is hope that Angola will be prepared
to look at providing back-up for the UN in Darfur and the DRC. Because of situation
in the region - the deployment of Angolan troops in the DRC may be more difficult
to be accepted by all. 8. Why is South Africa not campaigning for reciprocity
in visa arrangements with European countries, where many Schengen citizens can
come to SA without a visa, but South Africans have to secure visas? Reply: Each
individual country decides its own visa applications and we have over the years
discussed this with individual European countries. In the case of France and the
UK and others we do not need visas. End ATTACHMENT -
SUMMARY
of the "Dar-Es-Salaam Declaration on the consolidation of Security, Stability
and Development in the Great Lakes region". 1. The Preamble recognises
the ills of the region, eg the endemic conflict; the use of child combatants;
crime; poverty; infectious diseases; illiteracy; exploitation of natural resources;
delays in economic development and regional integration; discrimination against
women; displaced populations; effects of the conflict and poverty on vulnerable
groups; lack of implementation of treaties and agreements; and appropriation of
economic power. It then affirms the region's intention to own the processes, recognises
the need for good governance and democracy, and the need to promote dialogue between
the states of the region. 2. The Vision states the aim to turn the Great
Lakes region into an area of peace and prosperity and recognises the role of women,
the youth, civil society, trade unions and religious organisations and undertakes
to respect the UN Charter, the AU Constitutive Act, the African Charter on Human
and Peoples Rights and all other relevant treaties and agreements 3. The
"Strategic options, priorities and guiding principles" highlight specific
items under the four themes, in each case first stating general principles and
then translating these into general solutions. 4. Regarding Peace and Security
the Declaration recognises: the lack of mechanisms to prevent conflict; respect
for the large number of treaties and agreements pertaining to peace in the region;
the need to focus on human, rather than military security; the indivisibility
of national security from regional security; ownership of the process; and the
important role of women in conflict management processes. As such the Declaration
undertakes: to reinforce co-operation between states on defence and security issues;
promote common policies on small arms; prevent support to armed groups in the
region; maintain border control; find solutions to DDRRR problems with ex-combatants;
adopt a Non-Aggression Pact for the region; fight cross-border crimes; establish
joint permanent commissions; support national peace processes; and to protect
vulnerable groups. 5. Regarding Good Governance and Democracy, the Declaration
affirms adherence to democracy and human rights and undertakes to: respect human
rights as contained in existing treaties; develop policies on multiculturalism
and gender equity; consolidate democratic values through respect for constitutional
order, protection of rights of vulnerable groups and independent election monitoring
mechanisms; adopt regional mechanisms for self-evaluation such as the African
Peer Review Mechanism; establish regional jurisdiction with the help of the international
community to punish perpetrators of crimes against humanity; and to adopt a plan
of action and institutional mechanism to monitor the recommendations of the International
Conference on the Great Lakes region. 6. Regarding Economic Development
and Regional Integration, the Declaration undertakes to: establish an economic
union with integrated strategies and policies through existing regional economic
communities; adopt regional policies and mechanisms to facilitate a dynamic private
sector; promote diversification; address environmental issues; curb illicit exploitation
of natural resources; co-operate in all sectors, in particular energy, tourism,
transport and telecommunication; co-operate in agricultural matters; co-operate
on health, research and education; establish a regional financing mechanism. 7.
Regarding the theme of Humanitarian and Social Issues, the Declaration undertakes
to: observe international humanitarian law; respect the AU Declaration on Gender
Equality; address involuntary repatriation of refugees; establish a regional mechanism
by means of which combatants may be distinguished from bona fide refugees; respect
the OAU/AU Convention on Refugees in particular with regard to refugee camps;
establish early warning systems; establish a regional framework for dealing with
disaster victims, displaced persons and refugees.; address the use of child soldiers;
provide psycho-social support to rape victims; adopt a common regional approach
to stateless persons; develop common strategies to controlling endemic and pandemic
diseases; implement civic programmes to entrench a culture of tolerance; harmonise
policies on education in line with the Millennium Development Goals; and turn
the MDGs into a reference framework for the formulation of integrated policies
designed to alleviate poverty. It also calls for the promotion of Kiswahili as
the working language of the region. 8. Finally the Declaration addresses
the "Follow-up Mechanism". The Declaration commits the Heads of State
and Government to intensified consultations in order to develop a "Security,
Stability and Development Pact" to be signed during the Second Summit in
Nairobi, Kenya in 2005. The Dar-Es-Salaam Declaration mandates the Inter-ministerial
Committee to prepare selected, concrete, achievable and measurable draft Protocols
and programmes of action together with specific short, medium and long-term objectives.
The Declaration further states that the Committee must be assisted by the Regional
Preparatory Committee, enhanced with representatives of the Civil Society, women,
youth and other reputable experts with at least one third of women representatives.
The Draft Protocols and Programmes of Action will be submitted to the Second Summit,
scheduled to be held in the last quarter of 2005 in Nairobi, Kenya.
| 
