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Hosting of Mr Jean-Bertrand Aristide as a Presidential Guest
in South Africa NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION
NO: 478 PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11 OF 19 MAY 2006 Dr
P W A Mulder ( FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs: 1. Whether
South Africa is still paying for the subsistence and associated costs related
to the accommodation of the former president of Haiti, Mr Jean-Bertrand Aristide,
as a presidential guest in the country; if so, (a) until when will South Africa
be paying for these costs and (b) what do the total costs in respect of the Aristide
family and his entourage amount to up to now; 2. whether she and/or her
department is (a) involved in official discussions or (b) acting as mediator (s)
between the banished Mr Aristide and the newly elected president of Haiti, Mr
Renè Prèval, and the new government of Haiti in order to ensure
Mr Aristide's return to Haiti; if not, who is responsible for such negotiations;
if so, 3. whether a date for Mr Aristide's return to Haiti has been fixed;
if not, what difficulties are preventing Mr Aristide's return to Haiti; if so,
what date? REPLY: 1 (a) Yes. The South African Government
continues to accord President Jean-Bertrand Aristide the status of a former Head
of State and will treat him as a guest of the South African Government for as
long as is necessary. Neither the South African Government nor President Aristide
believes he is here on a permanent basis. 1 (b) Yes. The South African Government
also continues to cover the costs of the stay of President Aristide, his family,
staff and entourage in South Africa, in compliance with the original request received
from CARICOM via the Africa Union. The monthly costs of his accommodation, transport,
office support staff and security are similar to the cost normally incurred for
a South African Cabinet Minister. 2 (a) & (b) No. The South African
Government, however, maintains diplomatic relations with the new Government of
Haiti and continues to interact with it. 3. No. The conditions that must
be in place for President Aristide to return to Haiti are inter alia stability
and the assurance of his safety. The South African Government continues to support
Haiti's endeavours towards nationbuilding, reconciliation, peace, justice and
stability in consultation with CARICOM, the AU and other stake holders. | 
