P Hain: British Minister of State: Foreign and Commonwealth: briefing

Meeting report

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE; TRADE & INDUSTRY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE; ECONOMIC AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE
03 February 2000
ADDRESS BY MR P HAIN: BRITISH MINISTER OF STATE: FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH

SUMMARY
Mr Hain stated that in terms of British foreign policy, South Africa was seen as a major pivotal role player. This was due both in terms of its key role in the African region, and the important role it played in the non-aligned ongoing world trade negotiations.

In terms of trade and industrial relations, Britain was keen to strengthen economic ties. South Africa had the right macro economic framework in place, which was allowing the rest of the world to see South Africa as a viable business environment.

In response to questions from members, Mr Hain made various other statements, including:

- The British Government was leading the rest of the world in terms of finding solutions to the debt problems facing many developing countries. However, while acknowledging that colonialisation resulted in economic exploitation, reparations from Britain was not an option. Africa must look forward, not backwards.

- Britain was engaged in education programs, and training initiatives. There was further room for greater training opportunities.

- The ongoing war in Angola was problematic and of great concern. The supply of arms to the area had changed from being driven by governments, to private companies. This was of concern and in direct contravention of the UN embargo. The names of sanction busters had been given to the South Africa government, and there was an agreement to share information.

- In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Britain supported the African solution contained in the Lusaka agreement. Once a ceasefire had been secured, Britain backed a UN peacekeeping force.

- The event of the second democratic elections in Mozambique was very encouraging. The opposition party should be acknowledged for abiding by the election results, even though it had concerns with the election process. This was a very good example to other new democracies.

- Around two thirds of British overseas aid was being directed at Africa. A genuine attempt was being made to focus on poverty and the empowerment of poor individuals.

- The three key restrictions to foreign investment in South Africa were the inertial reluctance of foreign investors to believe that the economic environment in South Africa has changed from the apartheid years, crime and labour relations problems. Partnerships were needed in the labour relationship field, rather than the present conflictual climate.

- South Africa has had a lot of moral support; now it needs practical support. Thus issues such as the current problems with the European Union deal must stop - which is also within the interests of the EU and the rest of the world.