Briefing by Deputy Foreign Minister on Current Issues

Meeting report

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
23 May 2001
BRIEFING BY DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER ON CURRENT ISSUES

Acting Chairperson: Mr Sithole (ANC)

MINUTES
Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad opened by saying that African renewal and renaissance is real and not an illusion, despite the legacies of the past, including colonialism. Examples of progress in "self-reliance" are the recent progress in the DRC peace process, Angolan President dos Santos' recent call for a negotiated solution to the civil war there, Madiba's facilitation of the peace process in Burundi, the OAU-brokered ceasefire between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and Zambian President Chiluba's recent decision not to try to amend the constitution to allow himself a third term.

Moreover, recent peaceful multi-party elections elsewhere on the continent are an encouraging sign, as is the coming May 26 transformation of the OAU into the African Union, which manifests the adaptation of the organisation to meet the challenge of achieving a peaceful and democratic continent in the new millennium. He also added that the SA Parliament and this committee are important parts of this process, particularly regarding interaction with other African parliamentarians.

He stated that, along these lines, the Millennium Africa Program (MAP) called for by the OAU, spearheaded by Presidents Mbeki, Obasanjo of Nigeria, and Bouteflika of Algeria, with Egypt and Senegal now also playing major roles, is proceeding, with its goal being the sustainable economic development of a continent which can be responsible for itself. MAP can only succeed with the participation of African countries, and the support of the developed countries and international institutions like the IMF. He added that President Mbeki will soon go to Italy for the G-8 meeting to pursue this program, and that African finance ministers recently met in Algiers to discuss MAP and other programs which might be integrated into it.

The Deputy Minister then noted upcoming events to occur in SA, that is, this year's World Conference against Racism, and next year's World Summit on Sustainable Development. He went on to note the government's concerns about international adherence to the 1997 Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas emissions, on which SA has already started stakeholder discussions as part of the ratification process.
He expressed the government's hope that continued negotiations will reverse the new U.S. administration's position on the treaty, which he described as a "major setback". In his view, failure to implement the Kyoto protocol will have a negative impact on addressing climate change, which affects SA. He added that it is "counterproductive and unhelpful" for any nation not to participate in addressing this issue. Further, lack of resolution on this issue will divert attention from other important issues at next year's World Summit here.

Regarding the Middle East, he noted that the "unilateral ceasefire" just declared by Israel is welcome and positive, stating that the Israeli economic blockade and collective punishment of the Palestinians have been regrettable, and that the Israeli use of "excessive force", including F-16 bombers last week, is most lamentable. He also repeated government's belief that a negotiated solution is necessary to avoid serious consequences for world peace. Further, the recent NAM meeting with the Palestinians, with President Arafat's affirmation of his commitment to the peace process, is to be applauded. He stated that SA continues to support the Egyptian-Jordanian peace initiative, which the Palestinians have endorsed while the Israelis are still considering it, and hopes that the proposed ceasefire will lead to a long-lasting negotiated solution. Moreover, SA agrees with the findings of the Mitchell Report, which suggests that Israeli settlement activity in the disputed areas should stop, and recommends that Israeli forces withdraw to their 28 September 2000 positions.

He then noted that US Secretary of State Powell arrives in SA for discussions on these and other matters on 24 May 24. The government looks forward to his visit, which confirms that the new US administration has not forgotten SA, which will also soon be visited by the French president.

In conclusion, he noted that in the last year SA has had an increased role in both bi- and multi-lateral discussions. This is with the understanding that SA must serve as a key component of the African renaissance, of which this committee will also be an important participant.

Discussion
A question was raised as to the current situation in West Africa (Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea). Mr Pahad indicated that SA is not directly involved but instead is monitoring the situation in consultation with the Nigerians, who are directly involved.

Another query was about the current developments in the DRC. In response, Mr Pahad stated that many of the factions involved have withdrawn to agreed "disengagement" positions, with a ceasefire holding. In response to a later question from Mr Eglin (DP), he also indicated that the process of an inter-Congolese "national dialogue" is moving forward under the new president, Joseph Kabila.

Mr Geldenhuys (NNP) commented on the serious implications of the situation in Angola for SA. Mr Pahad responded that the government is in contact with the UN, the US, Russia, Portugal and SADC, and involved in their efforts to try to help bring peace to that country after almost 40 years of strife. He added that SA will have a role in its reconstruction once this has been attained. In the interim, SA is also trying to ensure that there is no SA participation in sanctions busting, or the "blood diamond" trade which has contributed to the ongoing turmoil.

Replying to the questions of another member and Mr Eglin, the Deputy Minister noted that recommendations on industrial policy and international debt relief are being formulated as part of the MAP process, which now includes the efforts of five sub-committees who will present proposals at the upcoming OAU meeting in Zambia.

Mr Eglin asked if the government is in direct contact with Mr Arafat regarding his response to the new Israeli ceasefire statement. Mr Pahad indicated that SA is in constant contact with all role players, including via its embassies in Ramallah and Israel. He reiterated that acceptance of the Mitchell Report and the Egyptian-Jordanian plan is key to finding a solution.

Mr Jordan (ANC) asked whether Africa is over-reliant on international finance, when there are ample investment resources in SA that could be encouraged - if not required - to invest regionally, rather than to expatriate the funds to London. In response, Mr Pahad noted that this is one of MAP's goals, and that it is necessary to rethink economic management. He added that while SA investment in Africa is critical, the scope of MAP will require formation of multi-national partnerships with the developed nations.

The Deputy Minister was asked why the contemplated constitutional change to allow a third presidential term in Zambia had been aborted while a similar change had occurred last year in Namibia. Mr Pahad had no answer for this.

A committee member interjected and asked why Zimbabwe had not been included in this query about third presidential terms. It was noted that there was no such constitutional limitation in Zimbabwe.

Another member asked whether African expatriates could be expected to return to help in the African renaissance. Mr Pahad replied that once MAP gets started there might be a movement of expertise back to Africa.

The Acting Chair then thanked the Deputy Minister, and the meeting was adjourned.