Status on the Rendering of Financial Aid to Palestine by South Africa as was requested by Hamas

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 477

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11 OF 19 May 2006

MR P W A MULDER (FF) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

(1) Whether South Africa was requested by Hamas to render financial aid to Palestine; if so, (a) when and (b) what was the amount requested;

(2) Whether South Africa agreed to render financial assistance to Hamas and Palestine; if so, what is the extent of such financial assistance;

(3) Whether the money has already been transferred; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? N561E

REPLY:

(1) Yes. On 4 May 2006 the Hamas-led Government of Palestine requested the South African Government to assist the Ministry of Heath of Palestine financially. No amount was stipulated. The request is still under consideration.

(2) Apart from the requests received from the Palestinian Government, the South African Government provides financial assistance to the Embassy of Palestine in Pretoria on an annual basis. The amount changes year on year.

(3) Last year, an amount of R1,8 million has been paid to the Embassy of Palestine, for the upkeep of the Official Residence as well as for administrative running costs of the Chancery.