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Comments from Press Conference on conclusion of Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM) SA, Cuba, Malaysia Troika Ministerial Meeting, Hermanus, Western
Cape, Friday, 27 January 2006 Comments by Chair of NAM, Malaysian Foreign
Minister Syed Hamid Albar - Thank you members of the media for attending
this press conference on conclusion of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Troika Ministerial
meeting.
- Members of the Troika (South Africa, Cuba and Malaysia)
met yesterday where we completed our discussions.
- The objective
of this meeting was to discuss preparations for the 14th Heads of State meeting
to be held in Havana, Cuba from 11-16 September 2006 and the meeting of the Co-ordinating
Bureau (CoB) to be held in Malaysia 30-31 May 2006.
- We also exchanged
views with regard to substantive issues that will ensure both meetings proceed
efficiently and smoothly.
- In this regard, we also discussed the
methodology of the NAM and the decision-making processes.
- We
all agreed that the final document emanating from the Summit must be concise and
succinct highlighting issues of relevance.
- We also looked at
the role of the NAM in handling issues of international importance, including
United Nations reform and disarmament.
- We also agreed to look
at ways of enhancing the working relationship between the NAM and the G-77.
Questions
and Answers Question Minister Albar, as the Chair of NAM, would
you please tell us if the NAM countries have reached consensus with regard to
the Iranian nuclear issue? Answer (Minister Syed Albar) This was
a meeting of the Troika that was intended to discuss preparations for the forthcoming
NAM Ministerial meeting and Summit so that we could ensure that all preparations
would run smoothly and efficiently. We did not therefore discuss any issues
that were not related to the agenda. Question Minister, regarding
the reform of the United Nations and disarmament - what were the specific issues
with regard to disarmament? Answer (Minister Syed Albar) The NAM
has a longstanding position on this matter - the NAM ultimately supports global
denuclearisation. The NAM does not however object to the use of nuclear technology
for civilian purposes. Question On what levels are South Africa and
Cuba co-operation in terms of skills transfer? Answer (Minister Perez
Roque) South Africa and Cuba have been co-operating on many levels for at least
10 years. We have a permanent commission for co-operation (JBC) between both countries
that meets annually and discusses bilateral co-operation. We also have a mechanism
that looks at bilateral political dialogue between both countries. In this regard,
our co-operation is very strong. There are more than 120 doctors working
in South Africa. We are investigating technology transfer - Cuban companies
are working with South African companies in order develop a vaccine that would
prevent hepatitis. More than 500 South African students are studying medicine
in Cuba. The Cuban co-operation with South Africa is part of our co-operation
in Africa. In this regard, more than 3000 Cuban doctors are working in 20 African
countries. Question What steps will the NAM take to revitalize the
organization? Answer (Minister Dlamini Zuma) The first thing is to
ensure that the NAM is engaged in all international processes - for example, in
the United Nations, we have to ensure we are part of all discussions on the Human
Rights Council - it is important that the NAM makes its voice heard. Countries
of the South must not be marginalized in terms of international processes. We
are also looking at closer co-operation with the G-77 - there is a mechanism to
facilitate this although it has not been very active up to now. Positions must
be co-ordinated so that we can make an impact as countries of the South. Co-operation
within NAM is going well - for example - we currently co-operate very strongly
on areas of health matters. Cuba is currently involved in some trilateral projects
in Africa - i.e. Cuba-South Africa-Mali and Cuba-South Africa - Rwanda. This constitutes
co-operation in terms of achieving the agenda of the South. It is co-operation
like this that will revitalize the NAM. Issued by Department of Foreign
Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001 27 January 2006
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