Question NW2635 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Reply:

Since the beginning of the Libyan crisis in 2011, South Africa has been calling for a political solution to the crisis in Libya as the only viable means towards achieving durable peace. We believe that the holding of free and fair national elections on 24 December 2021 will create confidence whilst at the same time contributing towards the enhancement of security, stability and development for the Libyan people.

South Africa supports the ongoing efforts of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council. We have consistently called for the AU to remain seized with the Libyan conflict with a view towards ensuring the achievement of transition towards a stable, durable and inclusive political order in the interest of all Libyans. South Africa is also a member of the AU High Level Committee on Libya, chaired by President Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo. We also acknowledge the efforts of the AU high Representative for Libya in his continuing enagement with the various stakeholders in Libya.

At the United Nations (UN), South Africa has made consistently articulated its principled position on the matter. In this regard, and as a member of the UN Security Council from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020, we called for a peaceful political solution that is Libyan-led and owned, emphasizing the importance of unified institutions and reconciliation among Libyans. In addtion,South Africa supported peace efforts in Libya by voting in favour of a number of resolutions. The latest of which are 2570 and 2571 (2021), which were aimed at creating conditions conducive for an intra-Libyan political process under the auspices of the UN. South Africa has also welcomed the efforts of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) aimed at bringing about an early and peaceful resolution to the Libyan crisis.

We met Libya at UN and offered assistance with elections preparation and constitutional process. We indicated that South Africa’s experience of transition could be of great help to Libya especially the writing of a new constitution and training of public service.

Finally, South Africa reiterates its support for free, fair, peaceful and credible elections in Libya.

COMPILER DETAILS

NAME AND SURNAME: DR JOHNNY PITSWANE

CONTACT: x10982

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Minister signs Parliamentary Reply 2635.

 

MR TC MONYELA

ACTING DIRECTOR–GENERAL: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

DATE:

PARLIAMENTARY REPLY 2635 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.

COMMENT/S

DR GNM PANDOR, MP

MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

DATE: