Interaction with Icelandic Foreign Affairs Minister; adoption of Outstanding Committee Reports

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
28 February 2007
INTERACTION WITH ICELANDIC FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER; ADOPTION OF OUTSTANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chairperson: Ms F Hajaig (ANC)

Documents handed out:
Committee Report on India, Brazil, and South Africa Summit [available at Tabled Committee Reports once adopted}
International Study Tour Draft Report on Sudan

SUMMARY
The reports on the India, Brazil and South Africa Summit and the International Study Tour Report on Sudan were debated and adopted by the committee. The Icelandic Foreign Minister, Valgerdur Sverrrisdottir, visited the Foreign Affairs Committee in order to promote a good relationship between Iceland and South Africa.

MINUTES
Committee Report on India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Summit
The Committee Report on the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Summit which took place in Brazil on 13 September 2006 was adopted. The report concluded that the summit had been successful in strengthening trilateral relations between India, Brazil and South Africa. These countries were committed to economic growth and the promotion of cultural exchanges, research partnerships and effective communication strategies. The signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) including the MOU on Biofuels and the signing of trilateral agreements such as the IBSA Trilateral Agreement concerning merchant shipping and other marine transport related matters was integral in fostering global sustainable economic and social development.

Discussion
Mr D Gibson (DA) noted that he received an invitation only a few days prior to the summit and that in the future members should be notified in advance.

Mr L Labuschagne ( DA) suggested that the Committee receive the President and Foreign Affair Minister itinerary to assist in planning.

The Chairperson replied that a request will be made, but would be unlikely due to security issues.

Draft Report on International Study Tour in Sudan
The Draft Report on the International Study Tour in Sudan adopted. The objectives of the visit included assessing conditions in Sudan; evaluating the implementation of peace agreements; encouraging communication between Sudanese Parliamentarians to promote peace in the region and monitoring the operation of South African peacekeepers in Darfur. The committee agreed that the Sudanese tour had been very successful in meeting with the relevant stakeholders and increasing their understanding of the situation in Sudan, Darfur and the Southern Sudan, Juba regions.

Discussion
Adv Z Madasa (ANC) requested clarity on the recommendation “Government and responsible stakeholders should increase the forces in Darfur”.

Ms S Rwexana (ANC) stated that this recommendation does not imply increased forces from the Sudanese government but rather the South African government.

The Chairperson stated that “South Africa” should be included in this recommendation. As there are limited resources, lack of capacity and responsibility to other countries, the Committee should consider these issues before putting forward recommendations. The United Nations has been asked to assist in this matter due to a lack of resources needed to increase forces.

Mrs S Rwexana noted that the ability to increase forces is debatable . There had been discussion on the United Nations being removed from a certain area due to opposition from the Sudanese. If this were to happen she felt that the Africa Union would not have the capacity to deal with the situation. With regards to the recommendation to “strengthen the assessment and evaluation committee with the role players involved”, there should be a committee evaluation on the work dealing with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). These committees had been experiencing problems with implementation?, resulting in delays and poor performance.

Mr Gibson stated that there had been implications that South African peacekeepers had to endure poor conditions which could be improved.

Ms Rwexana said that this report had been derived from the peacekeepers and no mention of poor conditions had been indicated.

Adv Madasa requested that the Department brief the Committee on the latest Sudanese issues and the deployment in that region.

The Chairperson replied that a request would be made.

Mr M Sefularo (ANC) noted that an update on the issues in Sudan should be made as events have changed, such as the ability to indict Sudanese government officials.

Interaction with the Iceland Foreign Affairs Minister
The Icelandic Foreign Minister, Ms Valgerdur Sverrisdottir said that she would be encouraging business between Iceland and South Africa. The purpose of her visit was also to open the Iceland embassy in Pretoria.

Discussion
Adv Madasa noted that Iceland does not have membership to the European Union but still complies with many regulations. As a member of NATO, Iceland must follow the small arms regulation which has had a negative effect on Africa, as it has become a dumping ground for small arms. He asked what was Iceland’s position on this issue.

The Chairperson noted that Iceland has been a country that has removed the presence of United States military forces from their country.

Ms Sverrisdottir said that Iceland was not a member of The European Union, but was a member of the European Economic Area. This was the reason for complying with regulations and there are no current plans to join. The main reason for not entering the European Union was due to issues concerning the control over fishery policies. With regards to the small arms regulation Iceland acknowledges this negative affect and takes this issue very seriously.

Ms S M Camerer (DA) asked if there was a reason for the increase in exports to Iceland in 2005/2006 and whether her visit was in correlation with this increase.

Ms Sverrisdottir responded that maybe it was the great wine that South Africa produces being exported to Iceland. She did not have the figures for the increase and that business between the countries would be encouraged.

Ms Rwexana noted that in the State of the Nation Address the President identified women as playing a major role in the reduction of poverty. As this was the year to fight poverty it was wondered if Iceland had any development projects concerning women.

Ms Sverrisdottir said that women would be the future of Africa and that she had the opportunity to meeting many strong women during her visit. Iceland had been concerned with the issue of access to small credit for female and other development projects.

The meeting was adjourned.