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Notes Following Briefing by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad and Iraqi
Counterpart Deputy Foreign Minister Talib Al-Bayati on Conclusion of Bilateral
Discussions, Tshwane, South Africa, 4 October 2005 Comments by Deputy
Minister Aziz Pahad - We are very pleased to have hosted my Iraqi
counterpart who is in South Africa to give a series of lectures.
- The visit
has given us an opportunity to discuss and exchange views on many issues.
- I
think this is the first government visit on the bilateral level. South Africa
recognises the Iraqi transitional government. The Ambassador presented his credentials
to President Thabo Mbeki on 17 June 2005.
- We have received a very thorough
briefing on the unfolding constitutional process - as you know, the Constitution
is expected to go to a referendum on 15 October 2005 with elections scheduled
for 15 December 2005.
- We also discussed the potential for greater bilateral
co-operation at various levels. In this regard, South African exports to Iraq
increased from R90 446 000 in 2004 to R233 806 000 during the first five months
of 2005, making Iraq South Africa's fourth biggest export market in the Middle
East.
- The South African government has always believed that Iraq is very
strategically placed. In this regard, we have always agreed in principle, that
a South African mission should be opened once the conflict has been resolved and
the budgetary requirements dealt with.
- Also, despite the massive surge
in our bilateral relations, there is still potential for further growth.
- We
will increase dialogue between both countries at various levels and will also
try to see how we can assist the international community to find a peaceful resolution
to the sitaution in Iraq.
- We also briefed Deputy Minister Al-Bayati on
developments within the SADC region and Africa as a whole.
Comments
by Deputy Minister Al-Bayati - I am very pleased to be in South Africa
and have an opportunity to hold discussions with my counterpart whom I met in
Jakarta earlier this year during the Africa-Asia Summit.
- South Africa
is the only country within Africa in which we have an Embassy. This makes South
Africa very important to us.
- We have come a long way since the time of
President Saddam Hussein. In this regard, former President Mandela always remained
a great hero to the Iraqi people.
- In Iraq, we have started the political
process on which to build democracy. We held elections in January this year, and
will soon hold a referendum.
- Although we have always had good relations
with South Africa, we believe the opportunity exists for greater cooperation.
- Iraq
has very great reserves of oil, gas and minerals. We believe a symbiotic relationship
between both countries can benefit both peoples.
- Regarding the security
situation - innocent civilians are at risk from perpetrators who do not believe
in democracy.
- When democracy is in place in Iraq, we will discuss the
role of the multinational forces. These forces will not leave Iraq a day earlier
than required or a day later.
Questions and answers Question
Deputy Minister Pahad, when will we open a South African Mission in Iraq? Will
the security situation be taken into account?
Answer
We have already taken a principle decision to open a Mission in Iraq especially
considering its geo-strategic position. The decision to open a mission
will be based on many issues, budgetary, security, etc. We have also decided
to send an advance team to Iraq sooner rather than later to investigate the possibility
of opening a mission. In this regard, although we do not have a date on which
to open the mission, we will put in place processes. Question
Deputy
Minister al-Bayati, what happened to the weapons of mass destruction which were
a pretext for the war against Iraq? Answer
We know that
President Saddam Hussein had these weapons, manufactured these weapons and used
them against the Iraqi people and their neighbours. In one instance, 5000 people
were killed on one day. We are not sure what has happened to these weapons
but there are three options - they were destroyed as alleged by the regime, they
are hidden awaiting discovery or they have been shipped to a neighbouring country. Question
Minister Al-Bayati, there have been reports that your neighbours are contributing
to the instability in Iraq - Syria and Iran. What if any, diplomatic action will
you take if the situation is not resolved? Answer
We
have full diplomatic relations with Iran. The Syrian government has not been very
open to our suggestions of instituting full diplomatic relations. We do however
try to resolve all problems with our neighbours through diplomatic means. Question
Deputy Minister Pahad, was oil trade between both countries discussed? Answer
This matter was discussed. Iraq has the world's second largest oil
reserves. We also discussed our general economic relations which have dramatically
increased in the last few months. There are many opportunities for bilateral economic
co-operation between both countries. We did previously import oil from
Iraq. But this matter is for further discussion by the relevant departments. Issued
by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001 4
October 2005 | 
