Notes Following IRPS Cluster Media Briefing Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Cape Town Wednesday 29 August 2007

Let me begin by saying, since our last briefing, the Cluster on International Relations has remained seized with the objective of consolidating our African agenda which essentially consists of a number of projects that have been on our list.

Firstly, in the context of the SADC, South Africa has remained very active working hard to support the objective of integrating the region – economically and politically.  In this context we have sought to assist in the strengthening the structures of SADC itself with regard to the structures such as the Troika and the Organ.

At the recent SADC Summit, we progressed to amongst others, launching the SADC Brigade which is an important step towards constituting a regional force that will complement the strengthening of the African Union Peacekeeping Force.

Off course, we had to deal with the situation in Zimbabwe.  As all of you are aware, South Africa has been mandated to facilitate the negotiations in Zimbabwe between the main Zimbabwean parties – ie. the government and the main opposition party.  As you know, the MDC has split into two.  Therefore, South Africa, at the last Summit, had to give a report as to the progress in this matter.

Outcomes of SADC Summit

The SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government was held from 16-17 August 2007 in Lusaka, Zambia and was preceded by the Council of Ministers from 14-15 August 2007 and other senior officials’ meetings.

Other primary issues discussed by the Summit related to the status of regional integration, infrastructure development in the region, and the situation in Zimbabwe, within the context of the report by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ.  In reviewing the regional situation, the Summit considered issues of economics and finance, social and human development, agriculture and food security, gender and development, and HIV and AIDS.  Other matters discussed related to inter-regional coordination between SADC, the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC), finance and administrative issues including the construction of the SADC Headquarters, for which the memorandum of understanding was signed covering the underwriting that Botswana has undertaken on the project. Mauritius was mandated to continue its consultations with the Seychelles regarding the latter’s return to SADC, and in its preparations for the International Conference on Poverty Alleviation.

With Zambia assuming chairmanship of the organisation and President Mbeki being elected as Deputy Chairperson, the Troika now consists of Zambia (current Chair), Lesotho (outgoing Chair) and South Africa (incoming Chair).  The Organ Troika consists of Angola (current Chair), Tanzania (outgoing Chair) and Swaziland (incoming Chair). South Africa will thus host and chair the 2008 SADC Summit and all SADC statutory meetings until August 2009.  A separate exercise will follow to elaborate recommendations on South Africa’s strategy and policy thrust during its term as SADC Chair and within the Troika.

The highlight of the 2007 Summit was the launch of the SADC Brigade, consisting of military, police and civilian components from all SADC member states, under the provisions of the African Union which recommends that each of its five Regional Economic Communities (RECs) should have a standby capacity for peace support operations on the continent.

On the status of regional economic integration, the Summit received the Report of the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration on the review of the implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area and noted that there is a basis to declare the SADC Free Trade Area in 2008.  All countries, including those who have heavily “backloaded” and would be obliged to remove duties on a large number of tariff lines, indicated that they were in a position to meet all tariff phase down obligations under the SADC Trade Protocol by the time of the next Summit in 2008.  Progress made in the preparation of the SADC Customs Union Road Map was also noted and the Ministerial Task Force was urged to accelerate the completion of this work - including the need for the studies on an appropriate SADC customs union and compatibility of national trade policies to be subject to national consultations.  The Ministerial Task Force will reconvene in October 2007 to assess the national responses to the studies.  South Africa offered to host the Project Preparation Development Fund (PPDF) which, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be concluded between the Secretariat and the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) in consultation with member states, will be a first step towards the SADC Development Fund.

The Summit was briefed on the SADC response to the situation in Zimbabwe. On the political response, President Mbeki, acting on the mandate from the SADC Organ Troika in Dar es Salaam in March 2007, presented his report to the Organ Troika on 16 August 2007.  The Chairperson of the Organ in turn reported to Summit on 17 August 2007 that the negotiations between Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and both factions of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were progressing smoothly.  The progress was welcomed and the parties were encouraged to expedite the process of negotiations and conclude work as soon as possible so that the next elections are held in a peaceful and democratic atmosphere.  On the economic response, the Summit noted the Report of the Executive Secretary on the economic situation in Zimbabwe and mandated the SADC Finance Ministers to draw up an economic plan to support that country using the report and in consultation with the Government of Zimbabwe. 

The Summit held a special session on regional infrastructure development and considered the status thereof within the context of contributing to regional integration.  Key sectors included Transport (road, rail, maritime and air); Energy; Communications and Information Technology; Tourism; and Water.  It was recognised that the region requires adequate regional transboundary infrastructure to allow for connectivity in terms of the sectors mentioned thereby assisting in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and regional tourism promotion.  The Secretariat was directed to develop a comprehensive regional infrastructure master plan, in consultation with member states and relevant stakeholders for consideration at the next Summit in 2008.  National Treasury initiated a process in July 2007 of identifying existing, planned and potential infrastructure projects by South African government departments and state-owned enterprises, which, once developed further, could possibly contribute to South Africa’s inputs to the SADC master plan.

In reviewing the regional economic situation,it was noted that the annual average growth for the region is expected to accelerate in 2007 to more than 7 per cent (from 5.7 in 2006).  Angola is projected to be the fastest growing economy in both sub-Saharan Africa and the SADC region in 2007 due to an expansion of oil production.  This growth rate is required if SADC is to achieve the MDG of halving poverty by 2015.

In order to address social and human development challenges in the region, Summit noted that strategic frameworks in relation to malaria control, tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health, human resources for health, the Business Plan for the implementation of the SADC Pharmaceutical Programme, including African Traditional Medicine and the Medicine Regulatory Guidelines, have all been developed.

On agriculture and food security, it was noted that the food security situation for 2006/07 was generally satisfactory as a result of a good cereal harvest in 2006, despite registering a higher cereal deficit of 3.50 million tones in 2006/07 than the previous year.  South Africa, which normally produces about half of the region’s maize, is expected to produce about 7.17 million tones, which is below its 10 year average of 9.27 million tones, due to drought.  Summit noted that Malawi has donated 5,000 metric tones of maize each to Lesotho and Swaziland.  Zambia also donated 10,000 metric tones of maize through the World Food Programme for distribution to SADC Member States in need.  Summit urged member states to intensify their efforts in implementing the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security.

With regard to gender, the Draft Protocol on Gender and Development was referred back to SADC Ministers responsible for Gender Matters to allow for further national consultations and will be considered again at the next Summit in 2008.  Following consideration of reports on female representation in decision making positions, the Summit urged member states to provide updated figures to enable the Secretariat to revise its report and circulate accordingly.  Updated figures for South African women in decision making positions need to be confirmed as contribution to the SADC report.

On HIV and AIDS in the region, the Heads of State and Government noted that s ome positive trends and developments are emerging in a number of member states, particularly in terms of the decline in both prevalence and incidence of HIV in the youth in countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi and South Africa.  However, these trends have not yet been significant enough to translate to decreases in the adult HIV prevalence.  Member states were urged to continue intensifying their efforts to implement the Maseru Declaration on HIV and AIDS and to contribute towards the Regional HIV and AIDS Fund.  South Africa already contributed R1 million to the Fund.  The Council approved the recommendation that in future 5% of member states’ annual contributions to the Community would be allocated to the HIV and AIDS Fund.

The Summit noted the outcomes of the African Union Summit held in July in Accra, Ghana, as well as the outcomes of the latest NEPAD Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC).  The SADC and NEPAD Secretariats are currently preparing a meeting of SADC member states to examine the NEPAD situation in preparation of the brainstorming session of Dakar, Senegal and other issues pertaining to implementation of NEPAD Programmes.  The Summit further approved that a Tripartite Summit between SADC, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC) be convened to coordinate programmes and development in the three RECs. 

It was noted that the International Conference on Poverty Alleviation will be held in Mauritius in April 2008, back to back with the SADC Consultative Conference.  The main theme for both conferences, as approved by Council, is Free Trade Area: A Strategy for Poverty Eradication and Development. 

Mauritius was also mandated to further pursue negotiations with the Seychellesregarding the latter’s membership of the Community, and propose an offer of an annual membership contribution of USD100,000-00.

The Progress Report on the Financing, Design and Construction of the New SADC Headquarters was provided and member states were urged to make budgetary provisions towards the unitary charge starting from 2010/2011, as well as to sign the MoU with the Government of Botswana on the Projects’ underwriting.

The Council approved the convening of an Extraordinary Meeting of Council in October 2007 to consider the Report on the Job Evaluation Exercise.  Member states need to submit comments on the Report by 30 th September 2007.  Relevant Departments will be requested to provide comments accordingly.

The Extraordinary session will also consider the additional work done on reviewing the role of the Integrated Committee of Ministers, as well as the revised budget based on the new re-prioritisation of SADC programmes.  Based on a mandate from its 2006 meeting in Maseru, the Council of Ministers approved the following re-prioritised SADC programmes of regional cooperation and integration as recommended by the senior officials workshop on the issue:

• Trade/Economic liberalization and development;
• Infrastructure in support of regional integration;
• Peace and security cooperation; and
• Special programmes of regional dimension under Education and Human Resource Development, Health, HIV and AIDS and other Communicable Diseases, Food Security and Transboundary Natural Resources, Statistics, Gender Equality, and Science, Technology and Innovation and Research and Development.

An inter-departmental workshop will be held to coordinate and collate South Africa’s response to the re-prioritisation and budgetary implications.

The SADC Brigade

The SADC Regional Peace-keeping Brigade was launched on Friday 17 August 2007.

This military-police-civilian brigade is made up of personnel drawn from 11 of the member states of SADC. It has been constituted to respond to the challenges of peace, security and stability that face our region.

At the same time, it constitutes a component part of the African Union (AU) Standby Force which Africa is forming to ensure that it has the organised and multi-skilled force to enable it to respond expeditiously to all situations of conflict on our Continent. Thus the launch of the SADC Peace-keeping Brigade represented, in concrete terms, the resolve of our region and continent to rely on its resources effectively to ensure peace and security throughout Africa.

AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT

Strengthen governance and capacity in the AU

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Accra Ghana from 1-3 July 2007, was devoted in the main to the “Grand Debate” on the Union Government of Africa, with a view to providing a clear vision for the future of the African Union and the framework for continental integration. 

At the conclusion of deliberations, the Assembly adopted the Accra Declaration in which, among other things, the Heads of State and Government agreed to accelerate the economic and political integration of the Continent, including the formation of a Union Government for Africa, with the ultimate objective of creating the United States of Africa. 

It affirms the integration process as envisaged by the Abuja Treaty, based on the Regional Economic Communities, working towards a Common African Market, within shorter timeframes.  It also called for the conclusion of an audit, to assess the composition and function of the Executive Council, the AUC and all other organs of the AUC. 

Finally, the declaration calls for the establishment of a Ministerial Committee, to examine the content of the Union Government proposal and its relation to national governments, to identify domains for competence and its impact on sovereignty, the relationship between the RECs and the Union Government as well as propose timeframes, financing options to support the activities of the Union

The Ministerial Committee would be constituted by two members per region.

Engage African Diaspora

The Ministerial African Diaspora Conference will be held in South Africa from the 16 - 18 November 2007, with the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) scheduled for 14 - 15 November 2007. The SOM will take place at the same time as the civil society conference (14 - 15 November 2007).

The involvement of the Diaspora would enhance Africa’s economic development and broaden the human resource capacity for achieving the goals of the African agenda.

Launch off the Pan-African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF)

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa and Dr Nana Addo Dangual Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana and representatives from Ghana and South Africa pension funds participated in the launch of the Fund in Accra, Ghana held on the fringes of the African Union Summit.

The vision for the Fund is to create a financing platform for infrastructure development that will accelerate Africa’s growth. The Fund estimates that over the next ten years at least US$150 billion of infrastructure investment opportunities are expected to be created due to infrastructure demands in energy, water and sanitation, transport and communication technology.

The Fund represents investment opportunities to African States and Private investors on the continent and is structured to offer a range of investment instruments to offer opportunities for African pension fund portfolios to invest on the continent; competitive instruments based on public-private infrastructure investments to increase returns; flexible long-term investment horizons; the mitigation of risk at key levels; a opportunity to participate in an initiative for Africa’s post-colonial reconstruction that will help to put in place the drivers for Africa’s future growth.

The PAIDF has so far mobilised close to US$625 million that will be used to finance continental projects under the AU development flagship programme, NEPAD. South Africa and Ghana have urged other African countries to join South Africa and Ghana in making the fund a success. Both countries have made firm commitments to the PAIDF and other African governments have expressed interest in making contributions pending legislation from their individual parliaments, allowing them to make the necessary payments.

Operationalisation of the African Peer Review Mechanism

In a meeting between the APRM Panel and the NEPAD Five + 2 country representatives ( Ethiopia and Ghana) on 29 June 2007 in Accra, concern was expressed regarding the slow pace of the peer review process.  It was agreed that signatories should provide the core funding for the APRM.

Of the twenty-six countries that have acceded to the APRM, thirteen have been engaged in the peer review process.  Of these, five countries ( Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Algeria and South Africa) have completed the process.  The remaining eight countries ( Nigeria, Uganda, Mauritius, Benin, Burkina Faso, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania) have received a Country Support Mission (CSM) and are in various stages of implementation.  Countries that have acceded to the APRM, but are yet to launch APRM processes, are Angola, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Malawi, Mali, Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Zambia and Sao Tome & Principe. 

South African Report

Professor Adebayo Adedeji, Panel member and leader of the South African Review Team presented the report. It identified 18 South African best practices worthy of emulation. These best practices include Co-operative Governance, popular participatory governance practices, Batho Pele, Multi-Purpose Community  Centres, the highly consultative Budget Formulation Process, achievements of the South African Revenue Services, the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, the JSE and Triple Bottom Line Reporting, the Mzansi Account for the un-banked, the Financial Service Charter, the  King Reports, self-reliance in development funding, provision of basic needs and socio-economic rights and the successful promotion of gender equality in the public sphere.

The Panel also listed cross-cutting issues that it presented as challenges for the country. These are unemployment, capacity, land reform, violence against women and children, HIV and AIDS pandemic, corruption, crime, racism and xenophobia, managing diversity, poverty and inequalities, and constraints and poor service delivery.

So it was really a balanced assessment.  The report did not include only South Africa’s achievements but also its challenges.

Overall, the Panel commended South Africa for meeting the tight time frames required by the APRM guidelines in a participatory and transparent manner.

President Mbeki expressed South Africa’s appreciation for the extensive engagement with the Panel and the APRM Secretariat around the Report and the Programme of Action (PoA). He stressed that South Africa was satisfied with the objectivity of the report.

The APRM member states, in their capacity as peers, endorsed the process that South Africa undertook in completing the Country Self-Assessment Report.  Member states agreed that South Africa's process was inclusive, participatory and innovative.

The South African review was completed by the Forum.

The Forum also took the following decisions: 

• Benin would be reviewed at the 8 th APRF scheduled for 2008.
• The annual progress reports of Rwanda and Kenya would be discussed at the January 2008 meeting.
• The four-year appointment of the APR Panel was extended by a year until July 2008
• Professor Adebayo Adedeji, the Deputy Chairperson of the Panel, succeeded Professor Dorothy Njeuma as the new chairperson of the APR Panel.
• The APR Panel will convene a brainstorming session before the 8 th APRF to reflect on the APRM Process to-date especially with regard to lessons learnt from the countries reviewed so far.

South Africa remains at the centre of the issues related to the Continent.  South Africa is therefore intensely involved in all forthcoming issues.

AU-EU Relations

It is envisaged that the Second Africa - Europe Summit will take place in Lisbon on 7 December 2007.  At the Summit, the Joint Africa-Europe Strategy will be adopted and the Joint Implementation Matrix will be endorsed.  Since the beginning of 2007, a series of experts meeting have been taking place between the African Union and the European Union aimed at mapping out and preparing a draft Joint Africa – Europe Strategy.  South Africa, as Chefs de Files for Regional Integration and Trade has participated in the negotiation process. The draft outline for a Joint Strategy was endorsed by the 8 th EU-Africa Ministerial Troika Meeting in Brussels, May 2007

CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS PEACE, SECURITY, AND STABILITY IN AFRICA

Establish the African Standby Force

Phase 1 of the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF) has been concluded. Phase 1 focussed on continental consultations for the formulation of ASF policies on the doctrine, standard operating procedures, command and control, communication and information systems, training evaluation, logistics, and medical and legal aspects of the ASF.

The AU Commission has now started phase 2, which includes consolidating existing policy documents, development of the concept of operation in line with ASF mission scenarios and development, enhancing co-operation between UNDPKO, identification of capabilities and capability development. An implementation plan for the civilian dimension of the ASF has been developed.

In keeping with this matter of stabilisation which is key to development, we remain quite involved in peace efforts in Côte d’Ivoire.

Support Peace efforts in Cote d’Ivoire

We can report that as a consequence of the earlier work that we had done, and that of others in the continent like Burkina Faso, the Ouagadougou Agreement was reached earlier this year.

As you are aware we saw the people of Côte d’Ivoire along President Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister Guillaume Soro participate in the ceremonial lighting of the Flame of Peace in Yamoussoukro on 30 July 2007, which saw the symbolic destruction of weapons from both sides. 

However the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement has fallen behind schedule primarily because of capacity and resource constraints as well as positions regarding the integration of armed forces.

What is clear however is that the country is united in the pursuit towards the holding of elections.  Although this may not happen in October 2007, that it will happen is not in doubt.

South Africa is very proud that we as a country were involved in this process in the most intricate and difficult stages. 

As you remember we relinquished participation in this process when we were elected to the United Nations Security Council so that we could fulfil our mandate on the Council with regard to Côte d’Ivoire with impartiality.

Contribute to the stabilisation of Somalia

With regard to the issue of Somalia, South Africa fully supports all efforts to stabilise Somalia.

The much anticipated Somali Reconciliation Conference/Congress finally started in Mogadishu on 15 July 2007 after two postponements. The COnferenc was however suspended due to acts of violence. The meeting resumed on 19 July 2007 with Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi declaring that no amount of explosions will deter the conference from taking place.

South Africa supports the National Reconciliation process in Somalia and is willing to assist the TFG (Transitional Federal Government), mainly in the form of technical and capacity building, to ensure that the national reconciliation process is successful. 

Security Council authorizes African Union Somalia mission for further six months

The United Nations Security Council last week authorized the African Union to maintain its operation in Somalia for a further six months.

By its unanimous adoption of resolution 1772 (2007) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council also mandated the mission to provide protection to the Transitional Federal Institutions and help them carry out their functions of government and security for key infrastructure; assist with the implementation of the National Security and Stabilization Plan, particularly the effective re-establishment and training of all inclusive Somali security forces.

Welcoming the National Reconciliation Congress, the Council stressed the need for it to involve all stakeholders, including all political, clan and religious leaders, the business community, and representatives of civil society, such as women’s groups.  It stressed also the need for broad-based and representative institutions reached through an all inclusive political process, as envisaged in Somalia’s Transitional Federal Charter.

It reiterated the need for the ongoing political process to both agreed on a comprehensive and lasting cessation of hostilities and to produce a road map for a comprehensive peace process, including democratic elections at the local, regional and national levels, as set out in the Transitional Federal Charter.

Council demanded that all Member States comply fully with the arms embargo imposed by resolution 733 (1992) and reiterated its intention to consider ways to strengthen its effectiveness, including through targeted measures.  It requested that the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) report to the Council within 60 days on how such measures might be implemented.

Those prohibitions would not apply to: supplies of weapons and military equipment, technical training and assistance intended solely for the support of, or use by, the African Union Mission; and such supplies and technical assistance by States intended solely for the purpose of helping develop security sector institutions.

The Council also requested the Secretary-General to continue to develop contingency planning for the possible deployment of a United Nations peacebuilding operation to replace the African Union, including by sending a further technical assessment mission, and to report on the status of the planning within 30 days.

Contribute towards post conflict reconstruction and development (PCRD) in Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo

We have recently concluded the 4 th session of the South Africa – Democratic Republic of Congo Binational Commission.

We continue to carry a significant slice with regard to the obligations of post-conflict reconstruction and peacekeeping in the DRC.  One of the reasons we avoided committing ourselves to more theatres of conflict was because we would want to concentrate our energies on those theatres of conflict that we are already involved in and see them through to completion before we assume additional responsibilities.

The DRC remains our main focus so that we do not allow a situation to arise in which the investments that have already been made are eroded.  Once we can complete such a process, then we can look at becoming involved in other theatres of conflict.  Also knowing that we have turned countries like the DRC into allies in efforts to build peace and that they too can contribute to other areas of conflict.

It has been recommended that the training requirements of the DRC be put together and that DPSA, through SAMDI, become involved in the training of DRC government officials. SAMDI has already appointed a project Manager in Kinshasa for this purpose. This is to avoid duplication of training in order to adhere to financial management systems (cost effectiveness). 

It is also proposed that the proposed terms of reference from the Dutch Government to establish a trilateral arrangement between South Africa, The Netherlands and the DRC regarding the SSR assistance to the DRC, be expeditiously considered.

The situation in the Eastern part of the DRC remains tense due to the recent upswing in violent incidents in the region. This leads to never-ending attacks on local villages with its resultant displacement of the population.

President Kabila has designated two Ministers of his Government to organise a roundtable discussion that will involve all of the forces (civilian, military, political) present in the east, including General Nkunda. The terms of reference of the roundtable discussions must still be finalised, but the aim is to find a political solution for the problems of eastern DRC.

At the MCO of the Organ of the SADC, the DRC delegation stressed that their main objective was to integrate the forces of General Nkunda into the DRC armed forces.  The DRC delegation also reported that they will be holding discussions with Rwanda regarding the repatriation of Rwandan militia in the DRC back to their country of origin.

Outcome of SA-DRC BNC

President Mbeki led a delegation consisting of twelve Ministers and one Deputy Minister and several senior officials, including 9 Directors General, from the various Government Departments of the Republic of South Africa to the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South African and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Kinshasa on Tuesday 21 August 2007.

During the BNC, the Presidents stated that the BNC will be held, at Presidential level bi-annually. Thereafter, it was up to the Ministers and Officials to decide how many times they meet at their respective levels to prepare for the Presidential BNC.

Three agreements were signed at the BNC:

• “Memorandum of Understanding on Development and Cooperation in Transport Related Matters between the Government of the Republic of South Africa through its Department of Transport and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo through its Ministry of Transport and Communications”,
• “Protocol between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Hospital Services”
• Joint Declaration of Intent between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of South Africa and the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans of the Democratic Republic of Congo concerning Support and Assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the reform of the Armed Forces.

The Politics and Diplomacy Sub-Commission noted the progress made in the capacity building of the Diplomatic Academy and endorsed the willingness of the Diplomatic Academy to establish a foreign language centre. South Africa supported this initiative. The Sub-Commission welcomed the interest of the DRC to organize a seminar on the Congolese Diaspora living in South Africa. The Sub-Commission considered a request for inclusion in the Commission by Women’s Groups from both the DRC and RSA. South Africa undertook to assist the Diplomatic Academy with the second training session for 2007. The Sub-Commission endorsed and committed to working together in the implementation of the 3 year Strategic Plan for the Diplomatic Academy.

The Governance and Administration Sub-Commission recommended that a permanent census unit be established through a legal Act. A signed MoU on Anti Corruption, that includes UNODC, can serve as a tool to obtain support for the Governance Programme of the DRC Government to fight corruption and promote ethics in general. A feasibility study is to be commissioned by 31 December 2007, by South Africa, for the refurbishment of the ENAP wing within the Ministry of Public Service for ENA (the venue will be used by SAMDI for the training of government officials). If refurbishment is recommended then it will be subject to funding being made available from South Africa’s African Renaissance Fund. A consultative forum on decentralisation is to be held by October 2007. There is a need to review the signed MoU on Immigration and Population Matters of 2004 as pre election priorities have since changed with the change in Leadership (DRC). The DRC wishes to explore RSA support in the coming local government elections.

• The Defence and Security Commission agreed to strengthen the capacity of RSA assistance (SADAIT) in order to ensure sufficient resources to focus on the identification and registration of the remaining 100,034 former combatants into the FARDC, according to a needs analysis to be drawn up by mid-September 2007. It was agreed that thorough preparation must be undertaken before the October 2007 SSR Contact Group meeting. The Congolese Ministry must establish a Joint Technical Committee by 1 September 2007 to work out the details of the SSR plan. South Africa thus undertook to immediately assist the FARDC by placing expert staffs in the SADAIT to assist the FARDC in planning for the October 2007 meeting. The Police agreed that after the promulgation of the PNC Organic Law, a Steering Committee meeting should be held and followed by a Ministerial meeting to finalise the recommendations of the Steering Committee. There is a need for further interaction between the Ministries of Justice of both counties informed by an implementable Plan of Action with clear timelines. The finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries in relation to the Administration of Justice is essential.

The Economy, Finance and Infrastructure Commission were assured by the DRC government that they will accelerate the ratification of the Reciprocal Protection and Promotion of Investments Agreement. South Africa undertook to facilitate the involvement of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) in the projects identified under the Maluku Industrial Development Zone and to consider the provision of credit line facilities as a financing support mechanism for the projects.

The Social and Humanitarian Affairs Commission recommended that it would focus on the establishment of the necessary institutions, in particular the establishment of a housing financial institution, and developing and implementing a housing code and construction code as an urgent pre-requisite for attracting investors into the residential property market of the DRC. The Parties have established a Joint Committee to monitor the implementation of the Agreement on Education. The DRC has proposed collaboration on sharing information, experiences and technical expertise in the areas of health care insurance. The Commission recommended mobilisation of resources beyond the SA/DRC bilateral cooperation so as to include multilateral and other partnerships for Social and Humanitarian Affairs.

The Sudan

The Sudan remains a very serious challenge.

In this regard, the challenges facing the implementation of the CPA are threatening peace between the North and the South, particularly the implementation of the Abyei Boundary Commission (ABC) Report. The failure to implement the ABC report is impacting on the demarcation of the North/South border and on the census and poses challenges for the 2009 mid-term elections and the 2011 referendum. Both, the NCP and the SPLM are currently recruiting people to settle in Abyei in an effort to influence the 2011 referendum.

Darfur

The immediate task is to establish a core command and control capacity, leading to, by October, the full financial and administrative arrangements necessary for the transfer of authority from the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) to UNAMID.  The new force would take effect on or before 31 October.

There is continuous dialogue with the African Union and its partners concerning the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS) needs during the transition, as well as active dialogue with the Government of the Sudan.

With more than 26,000 military and policy personnel mandated by the Council, in addition to some 5,000 civilian staff, the operation would be the largest of its kind ever deployed by the United Nations.  This would be the largest such operation ever deployed under the auspices of the United Nations.  One can therefore expect many difficulties and new innovative ways of dealing with the mandate of this operation.

At a meeting of troop-contributing countries held on 2 August substantial pledges needed for infantry elements were made, which, as planned, looked like they would be dominated by African units.

The force was planned to be a highly mobile, dynamic one, not confined to static bases, with robust rules of engagement under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.  In addition to the standard armaments of infantry battalions, attack helicopters had been requested.

The operational concept was still being finalized, however, and would be continue to be developed as the force became familiar with the territory, she said.  As mentioned in the Council resolution, it was still Sudan’s responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens.  There were no provisions for “hot pursuit” of malfeasants across borders.

However, important support, such as aviation and ground support that were expected from the non-African contributing countries, still fell short.  In the tight time frame, firm commitments from the troop contributors were needed by today 15 August, with all contributions finalized within 30 days, according to the Council resolution.

The United Nations will supply the civilian staffing and management.  Commercial contractors will provide the remaining services and resources.

It is expected that the operation’s headquarters will be located near the town of El Fasher in central Darfur, with additional sector headquarters in Nyala in the south and El Geneina in the west.  The subsector headquarters was planned for Zalingie, and up to 55 troop deployment sites were anticipated.

The major logistical difficulties being anticipated included the size and aridity of the province, hence the need for transport aircraft and a complex water strategy, now being developed in conjunction with technical consultants. 

Funding remains a challenge with the cost of the operation estimated at over $2 billion annually, but the figures could not be confirmed because such a large hybrid force was unprecedented.

Humanitarian support for such activities was a priority of the operation, which, like all other components, required the continued cooperation of the Sudanese Government.

It is vital that the developed countries, not only those in the Security Council, who have been clamouring for a hybrid force for Sudan must commit themselves to moving more decisively to make the necessary resources – financial and others - available for this force to be operationalised by October 2007.

Additional to all of this, are issues of the ongoing consolidation of these processes viz. the engagement between Uganda and the Lords Resistance Army so that we can finally achieve stabilisation in Uganda.  If we are to achieve stability in the DRC all other roleplayers in the region must be dealt with.

Let me add that we are also quite involved in Darfur, Chad and the Central African Republic.

We are now in the process of deploying an additional contingent of troops to Chad to stabilise the situation there.  It will not be possible to stabilise the Darfur in isolation to the Central African Republic and Chad so a comprehensive approach to that enclave is very important.

Part of the consolidation and advancement of the African agenda requires that we should remain intensely seized with those deployments.

Nearer to home we are providing support to Mozambique and continuously supporting the situation in Lesotho and Swaziland.

A more recent issue has been that of the United States – Africa Command (AFRICOM).  This is not a new development in so far as the United States has always had some presence on the African continent.  The AFRICOM initiative has raised a lot of interest and attracted a lot of attention because at some point there is a sense that Africa has to avoid the presence of foreign forces on her soil.  There is a certain sense that if there was to be an influx of armed forces into one or another African countries, this might affect the relations between sister countries and not encourage an atmosphere and sense of security.  The idea of a US focus on Africa is not new. 

The SADC Summit did adopt the position that it is better if the United States were involved with Africa from a distance rather than be present on the continent that creates a sense of uncertainty.

STRENGTHEN SOUTH-SOUTH CO-OPERATION

Strengthen the India Brazil and South Africa Dialogue Forum

South Africa successfully participated in the 4 th IBSA Ministerial Commission Meeting in India from 13-17 July 2007.

Logistical and substance preparations for a Focal Points meeting in South Africa in September 2007, as well as for the 2 nd IBSA Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg on 17 October 2007, are in progress.

Active engagement in the New Africa Asia Strategic Partnership (NAASP)

The NAASP Ministerial Meeting will be held from 12-14 January 2008 at the Nasser Convention Centre in Egypt. A Business Summit would also take place at the same time in Egypt.

The purpose and key focus of the NAASP Ministerial would be to assess the progress that has been made since the NAASP Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held in 2006 and to also start preparations for the NAASP Summit, which will take place in South Africa in 2008/9.

Chairing of the G20

South Africa , as Chair of the G-20 has continued to co-ordinate relevant activities which will culminate in the Ministerial Meeting scheduled for November 2007. Several workshops and seminars were held during the past few months as part of the activities, namely; the G-20 Workshop on Reform of the Bretton Woods Institutions; the African Policy Seminar on Aid Effectiveness that was held in Pretoria; a Meeting of G-20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies also held in Pretoria; a Workshop on Commodities and Financial Stability; and one on Fiscal Elements of Growth and Development.

Contribution towards the Middle East Peace Process

We urge co-operation between Israel and Palestine and also urge international partners to take a more active role in this regard.

Questions and answers

Question           Minister Lekota, regarding Somalia – there has been reluctance by African countries to deploy troops to ensure the situation is stabilised.  Have there been discussions on this matter?  Is South Africa going to redeploy returning troops to Somalia?

Answer               Let me say that I don’t think it is correct to say that there has been reluctance on the part of African countries to deploy troops to Somalia.  If one takes into account that the African Union has taken a position to support the stabilisation of that country what one has to take into account is that many of the African countries, however much they may be willing to make a contribution, has to be balanced against the capabilities and resources of these countries. 

Many of you will recall that when we dealt with the issue of Burundi, South Africa for a long time was the only country capable of deploying troops to the country.

At a later stage two other countries – Mozambique and Ethiopia – were able to deploy troops because of their anxiety to contribute to the alleviation of this situation.  They did not have any other resources to be able to carry a mission of this nature. It was only as a result of facilitation and support from countries like the United Kingdom that they were then able to deploy troops.

Many of the countries, despite their will, are not endowed with the resources to contribute troops so such situations of instability. 

I don’t think we should interpret inability and resource-constraints as reluctance.

One must also take into account that when you contribute to a theatre of conflict like Somalia, which has been experience instability since the days of the Cold War, you have to be ready to go into that theatre fully expecting a long and protracted deployment.

We ourselves, who committed to the DRC process, are learning that going into such a theatre may look fairly easy but once you are involved, you become involved in ways in which you had not originally anticipated. 

Burundi , is a very small country.  When we started in Burundi, it looked fairly easy.  But the lessons of Burundi have been that not only has it gone on for much longer than we had anticipated but when we withdrew following elections, we found we had to return because of problems that arose out of our withdrawal including the tensions that emerged between the elected government and other parties.  We now have new problems in Burundi that makes us realise that our intervention will have to last much longer than we had anticipated. 

Therefore, any party that enters Somalia must have done so following much consideration of the reality of the situation.

Question           Minister Lekota, could you elaborate on the AFRICOM – has this been communicated to the United States and by whom?

Answer               With regard to this matter, let me say that at the SADC Inter-State Committee meeting in Dar-ES-Salaam, the SADC Defence and Security Ministers took a decision that sister countries of the region should not agree to host AFRICOM and in particular, armed forces, since this would have a negative effect.  That recommendation was presented to the Heads of State and this is a SADC position.

As far as we are aware, the majority of the regions in Africa have taken a similar position.

The decisions and outcomes of the Continental body would be communicated to the relevant parties by the African Union administration in Addis Ababa.

Question            Minister Lekota, is there not a risk in knowing that there will be carrier and troops in the Gulf of Guinea and in the Horn of Africa without being able to do anything about it?

Answer               It is not unnatural that there may be one or two countries who do not concur with the majority.  In fact, this is the nature of democracy – ie. majorities and not unanimity.  So, if one was to say that this is an African position, this would be so because this is the position of the majority.  Normally the minority, even if it holds a different view, would support the view of the majority simply because the interest of the unity of Africa supercedes one’s personal view.

I would imagine that any country that wants to go against the decision of the African Union does not having taken full cognizance of the implications of this decision.

South Africa takes a position that even if we do hold a different view, we would support the view of the majority of the continent simply because this is in our medium to long-term interests.

Question            Deputy Minister Pahad, can you give us an update on the situation in Iran?

Answer               There has been extensive interaction over this period and as you know, Javier Solana, on behalf of the P5+1 has been in contact with Mr Larijani, Iran’s Chief Negotiator and they have had extensive discussions.

What is more important is that there have been positive developments at the IAEA.  The Iranians have put forward a roadmap to resolve all outstanding issues with the IAEA.

The Iranian government has also allowed IAEA inspectors to go into sites in Iran which had previously been difficult to do.

Indeed, from the latest IAEA report, the Iranians are beginning to co-operate more intensely in order to find solutions to the outstanding issues.

Off course, the Iranians continue to make it clear that they will co-operate fully to finalise the discussions in the IAEA but if additional sanctions are introduced they will not only stop co-operation with the IAEA but consider withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

So we are encouraging the P5+1 to intensify their negotiations while watching the IAEA processes very closely.  As members of the Board of the IAEA we will continue to ensure that IAEA processes are followed and that Iran does complete its negotiations with the IAEA so that finally the IAEA can declare whether it is satisfied that the Iranian programme is indeed just for peaceful purposes.

This is the big issue on which we must concentrate at the moment.

Question            Minister Lekota, can you indicate what the cost of our involvement in Africa is?

Answer               I am afraid that it is very difficult to provide such a figure.  I have no oversight at the moment of how much the Department of Public Service and Administration, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Police and Defence have spent.

In addition to this, some of the work we are doing in the DRC for instance is on a trilateral basis – South Africa, the DRC and Belgium.

Question            Minister Lekota, SADC took a position on AFRICOM and this was presented in Addis Ababa.  Is there an African Union position on this matter?

Answer               My understanding is that this is a continental position.  We have no quarrel with AFRICOM as such, but the issue of its location in Africa is of concern. 

The continent has said that it would not like to see new forces in Africa.

Question            Minister Lekota, there was very strong international reaction to the dismissal of the former Deputy Minister of Health.  What are you doing to counter-act this?

Answer               Let me say, the South African constitution gives the Head of State the right to invite anyone to serve on his Cabinet.  Similarly, when the President occupies that position, and he feels that such a Minister or Deputy Minister no longer serves the position they were invited to serve or who no longer contributes to the programme of the government, then the Head of State can make the appropriate decision.  I find it very strange that if someone if dismissed from the Cabinet of the United Kingdom we think we have the right to protest against this decision.

No South African citizen nor any citizen of another country has the right to protest against the appointment or dismissal of a member of Cabinet.

Even though the structures of the African National Congress may advise the President or Premier, it is the prerogative of the President or Premier to take this advise or not.

The Head of State is mandated by the Constitution to appoint whomever he wants to set up an effective administration.

I would be able to understand this protest if the South African constitution had been violated but no such violation has occurred.

Question            Minister Lekota, regarding the Defence Review, I was wondering if the matter has been presented to Cabinet as per the Secretariats report?

Answer               The matter has not yet gone to Cabinet but we are almost there.

 Question            Minister Lekota, on the Rooivalk – are you happy with the arrangements that are in place to keep the Rooivalk flying for its 20 year lifespan?

Answer               Firstly, I think we are in a reasonable position to keep them flying for a considerable period to come but I must say we continue to harbour the hope that there will be way to extend the lifespan of such a marvelous helicopter.  We cannot get rid of such technology.

I am hoping that circumstances will be more fortuitous that we may be able to go back to it.  But the reality of the situation dictates that we must come to terms with the decision we have made.

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

29 August 2007