South African Candidacy for a Permanent Seat Seperate from the AU

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO: 111

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 27 OF 23 AUGUST 2005

MR. DHM GIBSON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

Whether, in light of the decision of African Union leaders to reject a compromise deal struck with the G4 countries (Brazil, Germany, Japan and India) regarding a common position on the United Nations Security Council reform, the Government intends taking any steps, in conjunction with key strategic allies, to advance its candidacy for a permanent seat separate from the AU; if not, why not; if so, what steps?
N1769E

REPLY:

No.

The current focus of the South African government is to advance the common African position. Amongst the key elements of this, is the proposal for the allocation of 2 permanent seats in the UNSC to Africa. Only when this objective has been attained, does the possibility arise for South Africa to meaningfully advance her own candidature - at all times sensitive to agreed upon African positions.