Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Comoros Observer Team: briefings

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
7 June 2006
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COMOROS OBSERVER TEAM: BRIEFINGS

Acting Chairperson: Ms K Magau (ANC)

Documents Handed Out:
South African Observer Team on the Comoros Elections: Report

SUMMARY
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs briefed Members on the meetings that had taken place with the Non-Aligned Movement and the G-77 + China in Malaysia. An outline and description of the current functions of the Movement was provided. Co-operation among developing countries was stressed. Members of the Movement were determined to reduce dependency on the developed countries and urged multi-lateral discussions between developing countries. Unilateral military action was strictly condemned and reform of the United Nations was crucial for equal representation.

Members were concerned about the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and the conflict between Palestine and Israel. The purpose and aims of the Non-Aligned Movement were questioned. Members expressed concern about the marginalisation of developing countries in the international institutions.

Ms A van Wyk (ANC) briefed Members on the Comoros Presidential Election. A lack of skills was noted among the Comorian election officials. Financial and technical assistance was urgently needed for the Comoros.

MINUTES

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs briefing
Mr Aziz Pahad briefed the Committee on the meetings that took place with the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G-77 + China in Malaysia. Constructive discussion between the Ministry and the Committee was urged so that Members were promptly informed about all matters.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of the NAM meeting because it promoted ‘south-south’ cooperation among developing countries. The NAM movement was concerned about the undermining of multi-lateralism by developed countries. NAM was committed to a peaceful world order but had experienced difficulties such as the failure of developed countries to effectively assist developing countries; a lack of cooperation in international organisations and use of force to coerce smaller states.

It was vital for NAM to uphold its principles of sovereignty, non-interference, the suppression of aggression and peaceful conflict resolution. These principles shared similarities with South African foreign policy. It was important for South Africa, as chair of the G-77, to address the problems facing developing countries by globalisation.

Skewered trade relations, the lack of technology diffusion and unilateralism by the developed countries were issues that South Africa - in cooperation with the United Nations (UN) - had to address so that the Millennium Development Goals could be achieved. A transformation of NAM was needed. Recommendations had included more decisive measures, the development of a plan of action and support from the Committee for the Government’s objectives for preventing unilateralism.

The reform of the United Nations was required for better representation of the developing countries. Both the Security Council and the General Assembly would need transformation. Africa was determined to get two permanent seats but there had been opposition from the developed countries. The fundamental disagreements encountered in the UN reform discussion were:
- Proposals to weaken the powers of the Secretary-General.
- A smaller group of the developed countries to determine the budget
- A reduction in the powers of the General Assembly.

South Africa were opposed to these changes and noted that a lack of unity among the developing countries would lead to negligible change.

Another issue of concern was Iran’s nuclear program. The Deputy Minister noted that every member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had the right to use nuclear power for peaceful means. Problematic issues concerning nuclear proliferation should not be taken to the UN Security Council and should rather be settled at the IAEA. It was hoped that a diplomatic solution would emerge without the use of force.

The final issue concerned Palestine and Israel. There had been renewed hope after the recent elections but the civil war in Palestine was halting progress. The solution for the conflict had to be a two-state process with the support of Hamas. The approach taken by America was inappropriate and the focus was shifting away from the developmental agenda.

Discussion
Mr D Maluleke (ANC) asked what South Africa’s view was of countries that have weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

The Deputy Minister commented that issues surrounding the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty were troublesome. It was recommended that all countries with WMD start dismantling them, but the reality was quite different. South Africa had destroyed its arsenal and had voiced its support for nuclear-free zones. Other regions that had supported the nuclear-free zones were practicing ‘double standards’ with regard to dismantling their nuclear weapons.

Dr S Pheko (PAC) questioned the relevance of NAM in a post-Cold War environment. He asked how two countries within NAM would resolve their differences to maintain cohesion in the grouping. He queried how moral and political pressure would be put on developed countries. The use of Africa’s raw materials to promote development was questioned as well as China’s relationship with the developing countries.

The Deputy Minister noted that NAM was created out of the Cold War arms race dynamic. NAM had also played an important role in the decolonisation process. The major challenges facing NAM were:
- poverty and underdevelopment
- peace and stability
- the transformation of international institutions

Mr Pahad said many developing countries faced these problems and NAM should be commended because of the unity displayed despite these pressures. Disagreements within NAM were challenges to the organisation. Efforts to sustain unity would create pressure on the developed countries.

Mr Pahad added that ‘south-south’ cooperation often received ‘lip service’ but concrete movements were finally made at the Africa/Asia Summit. The inclusion of China and India in the discussions would create a substantial market for Africa’s raw materials. China was not seen as a threat in Africa. The relationship with China would be strategic.

Ms M Njobe (ANC) asked how promising the one-state solution for the conflict in Palestine was.

The Deputy Minister noted that the one-state solution was supported by a progressive movement that was not helping the Palestinian cause. Another source of support was from parties that suggested that Palestine [I think this sentence should be checked. Hamas is often accused of not being a partner for peace because it would not recognise the state of Israel]was not a partner for peace because they would not recognise Hamas as a legitimate party.

Adv Z Madasa (ANC) asked to what extent unity within NAM was disrupted by bilateral relations with the developed countries.

The Deputy Minister was concerned about the ‘roadmap’ for Palestine being dominated by Western countries. Palestine should affect public opinion to gain support. He noted that the civil war in Palestine was destructive to peaceful negotiations and that they should accept a two-state solution.

Dr A Luthuli (ANC) requested a definition of the two-state solution. She was concerned about the influence rich countries had over developing countries and the unilateral approach that was often adopted. She asked how NAM could assist developing countries.

The Deputy Minister was hoping that ‘south-south’ cooperation would reduce dependency on the developed countries. South Africa had to take measures to be optimistic and determined. Mass mobilisation of the developing countries could be done once measures were put in place.

South African Comoros Observer Team briefing

Ms A van Wyk (ANC) briefed the Committee on the report compiled by the South African observer mission to the Comorian Presidential Election that took place from 23 April 2006 – 17 May 2006.

The report consisted of the programme the results of the primary elections, the Election Day, post-elections, general observations and recommendations. Major irregularities were not encountered. The Comoros was in desperate need of financial and technical assistance with regard to the election process.

The meeting was adjourned.