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Notes following Briefing by Minister Dlamini Zuma and French
Deputy Foreign Minister Bridgette Giradin, East Wing, Union Buildings, Tshwane,
South Africa, 3 April 2006 Remarks by Minister Dlamini Zuma - I
am very pleased to have met with Minister Giradin again.
- We have covered
a wide range of African issues including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti, and matters relating to our bilateral co-operation.
- We
have agreed that France and South Africa will work very closely and co-ordinate
positions with regard to African issues and matters related to co-operation in
other multilateral fora and that we must speak with a united voice on matters.
- I
would also like to reiterate my appreciation with the timeous way in which French
President Chirac and indeed the entire French government responded to our request
for assistance following the Koeberg problems. We are indeed very grateful for
their co-operation and assistance.
Remarks by Deputy Minister Giradin - Minister
Dlamini Zuma has indeed effectively summarised the contents of our meeting.
- We
are quite used to meeting monthly in Côte d'Ivoire as we are both members
of the International Working Group on Côte d'Ivoire.
- During our
discussions this morning we have had a wide range of discussions relating to Africa
and beyond.
- South Africa is a privileged partner of France - bilaterally
(I am here to enhance our bilateral co-operation) and with regard to co-operation
in other spheres. In this regard, we have co-operated in terms of providing assistance
to South Africa's Koeberg Power Plant. We have also identified the following priority
sectors - environment, infrastructure development, etc. I am having meetings tomorrow
to discuss co-operation in these various spheres.
- There is a common will
between South Africa and France to strengthen co-operation. In other words, there
should be a good duet between both countries.
- South Africa is a good partner
in Africa and beyond. We attach much importance to analyses and are very happy
to have noted alignments on many subjects and concerns with regard to conflicts
in Côte d'Ivoire, DRC and Burundi.
- It is very important to meet
regularly.
- We are also very pleased that South Africa responded positively
to French President Chirac's proposals for innovative ways to finance development
at the Conference in France at the end of February.
Questions and
answers Question Minister Dlamini Zuma, you mentioned discussions
on Haiti. Has there been any agreement with regard to the position of former President
Aristide? Answer South Africa, as the host to President Aristide,
is still willing to host him. We are in no hurry to ship him back to Haiti. His
return to Haiti must also be negotiated and agreed to by the new government. However,
President Aristide is not in exile forever nor is he going back next week. We
will allow all the governmental and constitutional processes in Haiti to be finalised
before he returns. Question Minister Giradin, you mentioned there
were some concerns regarding Côte d'Ivoire. What are these? Answer
On Côte d'Ivoire, we are of the same mind and have the same objective. The
Ivorians must choose democracy and decide transparently how they wish to proceed.
Elections have been scheduled for October this year - these should be free, fair
and unquestionably transparent. We feel that the best man should win and that
each Ivorian should be allowed to express themselves freely in the elections. Question
Minister Dlamini Zuma, with regard to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the
deadline for the registration of election candidates has passed without the registration
of the main opposition party. Has this matter been discussed? Answer
(Minister Dlamini Zuma) I believe the Independent Electoral Commission has
decided to extend the registration date for the elections by a few days. However,
Presidential candidates cannot be forced to register to participate in elections.
We do however believe that the conditions should be there for each citizen to
express their will in the elections. (Minister Giradin) We would like elections
to be held as soon as possible. We have however noted through the referendum the
will of the people to express themselves. We must however ensure that elections
can be held and that people must be allowed to express their views. Question
Minister Dlamini Zuma, you have mentioned your gratitude to the French government
for the assistance provided following the Koeberg disaster. Do you expect any
future co-operation? Answer The co-operation between both governments
is very good. In terms of energy co-operation, we are all looking forward to achieving
the decisions of the World Summit of Development that encourages all countries
to increase their renewable energy resources. South Africa is looking forward
to achieving this. France has already done much work in this regard and we look
forward to learning from them. Question Minister Dlamini Zuma, what
help did the French provide with regard to the Koeberg power plant? Answer
As you know we needed a rotor to replace the one at the Koeberg Power Plant.
The French assisted us by providing with the rotor and some other parts. Issued
by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001 3
April 2006
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