Question NW4227 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
13 December 2022 - NW4227
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether her department, in light of the terror alert that the United States (US) government issued, regards our bilateral agreements with the US as being healthy and respectful; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether her department regards the alert by Washington as a clear infringement of the territorial integrity of the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether her department has conducted a threat assessment to verify the credibility of the alert; if not, why not; if so, (a) has her department engaged with the US on their chosen channels to broadcast the possible attack and (b) what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. South Africa continues to enjoy cordial bilateral relations with the United States, which are underpinned by robust cooperation across a wide range of sectors that are aligned to South Africa’s national interests and domestic priorities. The strategic nature of these relations has been reinforced by recent high-level engagements at Head of State, Minister and Director-General level, which were conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and a common desire to advance bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest and concern.
2. The Department considers it an unfortunate breach of diplomatic protocol. The Embassy was of the view that their actions were in accordance with their duty to warn American citizens of credible threats to safeguard US Government employees.
3. No. The mandate to conduct threat assessments lies with the Security Cluster.
a) The Department has conveyed to the US Embassy that sensitive information of this nature should be formally communicated to DIRCO in accordance with the relevant diplomatic protocols.
b) The security agencies from the two countries also have established channels of communication through which to engage and share information related to terrorist activities, amongst others. These channels should always be utilised to allow for proper assessment and communication to the public about possible terror attacks.