South African solidarity with the People of Swaziland in their quest for the Democratisation of their State; and Agreements on Economic and Political Reforms as contained in the draft MoU

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR ORAL REPLY

QUESTION NO: 13 (CO74E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1-2012 OF 6 MARCH 2012

Mr D.V Bloem (COPE- FS) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. To what extend will South Africa (a) assist and (b) show solidarity with the people of Swaziland in their quest for the democratisation of their state?

2. Whether South Africa will ease the conditions of the request for a bail-out loan by King Mswati III for R2.4 billion, if not, why not; if so , what are the relevant details.

REPLY:

1. The Government of South Africa cooperates with the Government of Swaziland within the broad framework of the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation, whose main objective is to promote political, economic and social cooperation. In this regard, recognising the territorial sovereignty of Swaziland. South Africa remains ready to assist the people of Swaziland to finding a lasting solution to their own political and economic challenges.

2. The two countries have agreed on economic and political reforms as contained in the draft MoU. Outstanding is to determine a mutually acceptable date for the finalisation of the process.

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