|
Minister Dlamini Zuma to Lead SA Delegation
to AU Meeting and Inaugural Session of the Pan-African-Parliament,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15 - 20 March 2004
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
will depart today:Sunday, 14 March 2004 for Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, where she will lead the South African delegation
to the fourth session of the Executive Council of Ministers
of the African Union (AU) and inaugural session of the
Pan-African Parlilament scheduled for Monday - Saturday,
15-20 March 2004.
The Executive Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs
of the AU is expected to discuss, among others:
- The socio-politico economic situation in the Continent;
- The election of members of the Peace and Security
Council;
- The operationalisation of the Peace and Security
Council; and
- Preparations for the launch of the Pan-African
Parliament.
South Africa became a Party to the Protocol relating
to the Pan-African Parliament when the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Dr Dlamini Zuma, deposited an Instrument of
Ratification with the Secretary- General of then Organisation
of African Unity (OAU) in 2002.
The Pan-African Parliament is the embodiment of a vision
of the African Heads of State and Government to provide
a common platform for African people and their grass-roots
organizations to be more involved in discussions and
decision-making on the problems and challenges facing
the Continent.
The Pan-African Parliament will be comprised of 5 members
of each national parliament of the Member States and
will advise and consult with the other organs of the
African Union. It will promote the objectives of the
African Union, including the promotion of human rights
and democracy, good governance, transparency and peace
security and stability in Africa.
The South African parliamentary delegation includes
the Speaker, Dr Frene Ginwala; the Deputy Chairperson
of the National Council of Provinces, Mnimwa Mahlangu;
Professor Harriet Ngubane (IFP); Dr Boy Geldenhuys (NNP);
and Makhosazana Njobe (ANC)
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
14 March 2004
|
