Question NW73 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
22 February 2022 - NW73
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
1) What are the reasons that the Republic did not support and help stand for the international principle of sovereignty and respect of the borders of an independent state against Russia’ s aggression on Ukraine; (2) What are the reasons that the Republic did not raise her voice to the war that cost Ukraine over 14, 000 lives and 1,5 million people who are internally displaced since the invasion of Ukraine in 2014 with the illegal annexing of Crimea; (3) Whether it is the policy of her department not to speak against the aggression of its BRICS partner towards Ukraine and other countries in the region? NW73E
Reply:
(1) South Africa’s position has been (and is) continuing to encourage all the parties to strengthen all diplomatic efforts to avoid an escalation of tensions, and work towards an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful solution based on cooperation and dialogue. In this regard South Africa encourages all parties to approach dialogue with the spirit of compromise in order to move the process forward without accusing any party, something that will not be helpful in the efforts to resolve the conflict. South Africa stands by its principled position of peaceful resolution of conflicts.
(2) South Africa’s position has been (and is) continuing to encourage all the parties to strengthen all diplomatic efforts to avoid an escalation of tensions, and work towards an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful solution based on cooperation and dialogue. In this regard South Africa encourages all parties to approach dialogue with the spirit of compromise in order to move the process forward without accusing any party, something that will not be helpful in the efforts to resolve the conflict. South Africa stands by its principled position of peaceful resolution of conflicts.
(3) The BRICS partnership is built on a common commitment to multilateralism and the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, inclusiveness, and strengthened collaboration. In paragraph 22 of the BRICS New Delhi Declaration issued on 9 September 2021, BRICS Leaders expressed concern at the continuing conflicts and violence in different parts of the world. The BRICS Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of States and reiterate that all conflicts must be resolved by peaceful means and through political and diplomatic efforts in line with international law, in particular the UN Charter. BRICS Leaders also underscored the inadmissibility of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations.