South African Government commitment to Human Rights and Democracy with the continued killing of Libyan Citizens by the Government of President Ghaddafi

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

 FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO: CO109E

MR H B GROENEWALD (DA-NW) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

1. Whether, in light of the Libyan government’s killing of more than 1 000 protesters, the Government will call for the resignation of President Ghaddafi; if not, why not; if so, when
   
   
2. Whether she will reconcile the Government’s commitment to human rights and democracy with the continued killing of Libyan citizens by President Ghaddafi’s government; if so, how?           CO109E

REPLY:

1. Colonel Gaddafi is a leader of the Revolutionary Command Council. Libya has no formal constitution and Colonel Gaddafi has been leading the country on the principles of people driven governance (Jahamariya system). South Africa has condemned the use of force leading to the loss of lives in Libya. South Africa has not called for the resignation of the Libyan leader as it subscribes to the international principle of no intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries.
   
   
2. South Africa issued a statement on the 21 February 2011 noting with grave concern the loss of life following anti-government demonstrations in Libya. Furthermore, South Africa called on the government and the people of Libya to seek a speedy and peaceful resolution to the current crisis in accordance with the will of the people. The United Nations condemned the violence and use of force against civilians, deplored the repression against peaceful demonstrators, and expressed deep regret at the deaths of hundreds of civilians.  They called for an immediate end to the violence and for steps to address the legitimate demands of the population, including through national dialogue. South Africa supported the UN resolution which further complemented the decision of the AU Peace and Security Council, condemning the indiscriminate and excessive use of force against peaceful protesters and called upon Libyan authorities to end forthwith all acts of violence in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

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