Questions & Replies: International Relations & Cooperative
2012-11-30
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Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO: 790 (NW961E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 8-2012 OF 16 MARCH 2012
DR LL BOSMAN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
Whether any officials from (a) her department and (b) any entities reporting to her were on an official visit to Bloemfontein in (i) December 2011 and (ii) January 2012; if so, in each case, what (aa) is the (aaa) name and (bbb) position of the specified official, (bb) was the (aaa) purpose and (bbb) date of such a visit and (cc) was the cost of (aaa) transport, (bbb) accommodation and (ccc) other expenses?
REPLY:
With the expected participation of Heads of State and Government at the Centenary Celebrations of the African National Congress, in anticipation of their arrival, a number of state agencies and departments were mandated to make preparations as part of the courtesies extended to the dignitaries.
These departments include The Presidency, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, State Security Agencies and Departments, Department of Arts and Culture, Department of Health and the Department of Public Works. These departments were mandated to ensure firstly, the safety and security of the event in terms of the Public Gathering Act, provide protocol services and facilities suitable for the stature of the event. Officials from different departments were deployed to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO: 706 (NW869E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8-2012 OF 16 MARCH 2012
Mr EH Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
1. Whether the political change in The Kingdom of Lesotho will change our bilateral policy agreement with the country; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY:
1. No.
2. South Africa will continue to maintain the existing friendly relations with the government of the Kingdom of Lesothofor the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO. : 633 (NW790E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 8-2012 OF 16 MARCH 2012
Mrs D Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
1. Whether, with reference to promises made by certain persons (names and details furnished) following the conclusion of Sri Lanka's armed conflict in May 2009, the Government has responded to the claims that the promises have remained unfulfilled; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. whether the Government intends to play any role to assist Sri Lanka in matters regarding accountability, truth and reconciliation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. whether the Government intends to support calls for the establishment of an independent international war crimes inquiry to investigate the conduct of the final months of the civil war in Sri Lanka to help end a culture of impunity that is allegedly undermining human rights on the island if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY
1. The South African Government has noted the report of the Panel of Experts appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General to advise him on the joint commitment included in the statement issued by the President of Sri Lanka and the Secretary-General at the conclusion of the Secretary-General's visit to Sri Lanka on 23 May 2009. In the Joint statement, the Secretary-General "underlined the importance of an accountability process" and the Government of Sri Lanka agreed that "it will take measures to address these grievances". The Panel's mandate was to advise the Secretary-General on the modalities, applicable international standards and comparative experience relevant to an accountability process, having regard to the nature and scope of alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law during the final stages of the conflict in Sri Lanka.
The Panel, in presenting its report to the United Nations Secretary-General, found credible allegations, which if proven, indicate that a wide range of serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law were committed by both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE some of which would amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
2. The South African Government has offered to share its experiences of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) processes with the Government of Sri Lanka on numerous occasions. The latest offer was conveyed during the most recent visit to South Africa of the Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs, Professor GL Peiris, from 4 - 6 March 2012, during which he met both the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mrs Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim.
South Africa continues to encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of the Report of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) in the same spirit as South Africa implemented the TRC processes
3. Following the release of the LLRC Report which the South African Government welcomed, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, on 30 January 2012, in a media statement highlighted its concerns that the LLRC Report should have addressed in more detail, the question of holding those people responsible for human rights violations, to account.
South Africa also welcomed and commended the Sri Lankan Government for setting up an authoritative mechanism on accountability to further investigate allegations relating to human rights abuses. South Africa encouraged decisive action by the Government of Sri Lanka upon the findings.
Following the visit of the Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs to South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in a media statement on 7 March 2012, again referred to the need for the speedy implementation of the LLRC Report, as well as the setting up of an impartial, inclusive and transparent mechanism to deal decisively with questions of accountability and justice.
The South African Government firmly believes that domestic accountability issues must first and foremost be sought at the national level. It remains the sovereign responsibility of States to determine what their judicial mechanisms are in ensuring accountability. This viewpoint was also reiterated in a media statement during the visit of Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim to Sri Lanka in November 2011.
It is the view of the South African Government that the internal judicial processes in Sri Lanka in terms of ensuring accountability have not yet been fully exhausted and that the establishment of an independent international war crimes inquiry to investigate the conduct of the final months of the civil war in Sri Lanka, is therefore premature.
Reply received: June 2012
QUESTION NO: 574 (NW739E)PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 7-2012 OF 9 MARCH 2012
DR LL BOSMAN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
(1) Whether her department has an internal audit unit; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many staff members are employed in the unit and (b) what (i) is the structure and (ii) are the functions of the unit;
(2) whether the audit committee considers the internal audit reports; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she holds meetings to discuss (a) the internal reports and (b) their findings with the audit unit; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (i) on what dates has each specified meeting taken place and (ii) what are the further relevant details?
REPLY:
(1) Yes
(a) The internal audit unit has 18 approved posts for professional internal auditors and six support staff posts. The Head of the Unit is at Chief Director level.
(b) There are three directorates with the following functions; Internal Audits, Performance Audits, Forensic Audits and facilitation of Risk Management , and Information Communication Technology Audits (ICT).
(2) The Department's Audit Committee considers the Internal Audit reports during the Audit Committee meetings, and the Audit Committee makes further recommendations and monitors the implementation of the Internal Audit Report recommendations.
(3) The Director-General, in his capacity as the Chief Accounting Officer, meets with the internal audit unit regularly and reports to the Minister on strategic interventions required based on internal audit consolidated findings and recommendations. The Minister is committed to ensuring that the internal audit unit functions effectively, in support of the Director-General. The Minister has also met the internal audit unit during her engagements in meetings such as the annual strategic planning session of the Department.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO: 488 (NW637E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 6-2012 OF 2 MARCH 2012
Mr IO DAVIDSON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
Whether she met with the internal audit committee in the (a) 2010/11 and (b) 2011/12 financial years; if not, why not; if so, (i) on which dates did they meet and (ii) what are the relevant details?
REPLY:
The Director-General in his capacity as the Chief Accounting Officer meets regularly with the internal audit committee. The Minister is committed to ensuring that the internal audit committee functions effectively, in support of the Director-General. The Minister has also met with the internal audit committee during engagements in meetings such as the annual strategic planning session of the Department.
Reply received: April 2012
QUESTION NO: 398 (NW479E)PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6-2012 OF 2 MARCH 2012
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
(1) Whether the Minister intends to pursue diplomatic channels to secure the release of South African hostages Bruno Pelizzari and Deborah Calitz held hostage since 29 October 2010; if not, why not; if so, what (a) progress has been made in this regard and (b) are the further relevant details.
REPLY:
(1) Yes, the Minister continues to pursue diplomatic channels to secure the release of South African hostages Bruno Pelizzari and Deborah Calitz. (a) The Minister met with her Somali counterpart on 13 March 2012 in South Africa in the context of enhancing diplomatic relations between the two countries. This matter was also raised during this meeting.
(2) The Minister held a meeting with representatives of the two families on 12 March 2012 to reassure them of the government's commitment in securing the release of their loved ones.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 364 (NW451E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4-2012 OF 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
Whether she has launched an investigation into the allegations (details furnished) that a certain company (name furnished) allegedly (a) encouraged the Government to take a favourable position on Iran's nuclear development programme, (b) enlisted the Government's support for the provision of military equipment to Iran and (c) made improper payments to a government official; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details, in each case?
REPLY:
a) I have not considered it necessary to launch any investigation into the allegations as I am aware thatSouth Africa's position on Iran's nuclear programme had not been influenced by any company.
b) No
c) I am furthermore not aware of any improper payments that had been made to any Government official and suggest that any evidence to the contrary be submitted to the relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 360 (NW446E)PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4-2012 OF 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
Whether her Department intends to establish a diplomatic mission in Iraq; if not, Why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY:
Yes, South Africa does have diplomatic relations with Iraq. We have a non-resident Ambassador to Iraq. The opening of a South African diplomatic mission in Iraq would greatly facilitate the expansion of these ties. However, due to resource constraints and the prevailing security situation in the country, we have not established a resident diplomatic mission inIraq.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 294 (NW372E)PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO4-2012 OF 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
(1) Whether the Government intends supporting sanctions against Iran; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether the Government intends to call for disinvestment of South African companies that are invested in Iran; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether the Government will review its diplomatic relations with Iran in light of its (a) mounting nuclear production and (b) the stifling of human rights; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW372E
REPLY:
(1) As a member of the United Nations, South Africa is obliged to implement United Nations Security Council sanctions that have been imposed on any UN member state. The Government of South Africa does not subscribe to unilateral sanctions as an instrument of its international relations.
(2) No, South Africa believes in finding a diplomatic solution to the challenges faced by Iran.
(3) The Government has no reason to review its diplomatic relations with Iran. South Africabelieves in constructive engagement with Iran in order to address the areas of concern, which includes its nuclear programme and human rights, within the context of its Joint Commission and through the exchange of high-level visits. The Government of South Africa has no intention to severe diplomatic relations with Iran, as its convinced that ongoing engagement with Iran is important, in the context of South Africa's foreign policy.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 293 (NW371E)PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4-2012 OF 24 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr L S Ngonyama (COPE) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
(1) Whether the Government of South Africa has advanced the financial bail-out loan to the Swaziland government, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
(2) Whether the government intends pursuing any diplomatic measures to encourage democratic reforms in Swaziland, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY:
(1) No. The Government has not advanced the financial assistance to the Kingdom of Swaziland as the negotiations between the two countries have not been concluded yet.
(2) Yes, South Africa uses diplomatic means to encourage the Swazis to engage in a process of meaningful political dialogue aimed at the country's future based on the will of the Swazi people.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 254 (NW276E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 2-2012 of 17 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
Whether her department has been informed of legislation in the African Union member state, Uganda, that proposes the death penalty for gay repeat offenders; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why has the Government been silent in this regard;
(1) What steps will she take to lobby the United Nations Human Rights Council in light of its 2011 resolution requesting a study on discrimination and sexual orientation;
(2) Whether she will make a statement on the Government's position with regard to the criminalisation of homosexuality in a number of African states with Nigeria and Uganda both considering legislative proposals that will impact the rights of homosexual citizens?
REPLY
(1) While the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not been formally informed of the Draft Bill proposing the death penalty in Uganda for repeat gay offenders, the Department is nevertheless aware of the proposal due to the media reports on the issue. South Africa will not at this stage be making any statement with regard to proposed domestic legislation initiated in another country by a "private member" of the Ugandan Parliament for debate.South Africa, guided by its Constitution which guarantees the right to life, holds a strong view on the non-derogability of this right, under any circumstances. Guided by the Charter of the United Nations and the United Nations Convention on the Principles of International Law on friendly relations among states, South Africa also abides by the principles of non-interference in the domestic affairs of states and the sovereign equality of nations. Notwithstanding the afore-mentioned, the South African Government continues to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people worldwide. As part of the Government's international obligations under international human rights law, South Africa similarly advocates for the principle of non-discrimination under any grounds, including sexual orientation at every opportunity in the multilateral and regional fora where these matters are discussed.
(2) The Department through the South African Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, has since the adoption of the South African initiated, United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 17/19, entitled 'Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity' been engaged with all stakeholders and providing strategic direction on this initiative. These consultations have been inclusive, transparent and aimed at depoliticising the issue of sexual orientation in the context of the work of the Council, particularly taking into account the positions from other delegations that did not support the resolutions. Additionally, following the release of the report as well as the announcement of the names of the Panelists ahead of the March Session, there has been lobby action undertaken in Geneva as well as Pretoria, particularly with countries who share in the vision of the Government through this initiative. It is expected that the week of the High-Level Segment during the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council due to convene from 27 Feberuary-02 March will also be utilised by the South African delegation to continue engaging with other delegations in ensuring the success of the Panel which has been scheduled for 07 March 2012.
(3) In its engagement with the international human rights system, the Government of the Republic of South Africa outlines its policy positions in the area of human rights, guided by its Constitutional provisions. The South African Government fully endorses the principles of non-confrontation, consensual, cooperation and constructive dialogue and approach to the international human rights agenda, aimed at strengthening the capacity of Member States to comply with their human rights obligations, enshrined in the founding United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution 60/251, which created the HRC. Consequently South Africa finds it difficult to support the approach and practice of some States of publicly 'naming and shaming' countries through statements delivered at the Human Rights Council. The issue will be handled through constructive dialogue bilaterally and within the context of the work of the African Union.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 253 (NW275E)PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 2 OF 16 FEBRUARY 2012
MR RAP TROLLIP (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
Whether any of her Deputy Ministers travelled by helicopter in the period 1 January to 31 August 2011; if so, in each case, (a) on what dates did each Deputy Minister travel by helicopter, (b) what was the purpose of the trip in each case, (c) to whom did the helicopter belong, (d) who paid for the trip in each case and (e) what total amount was incurred by her department in each case?
REPLY:
Both Deputy Ministers Ebrahim and Fransman did not travel during the period 1 January to 31 August 2011 on a helicopter officially, incurring any costs for the Department.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 252 (NW274E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 2-2012 OF 17 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr R A P Trollip (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
(a) What is the name of the venue in Somerset West where her department's state of the nation conference was held, (b) what were the costs in respect of (i) venue hire, (ii) catering, (iii) security, (iv) transportation and (v) accommodation, (c) how many guests attended and (d) what was the purpose of the conference? NW274E
REPLY:
A) The name of the venue in Somerset West where the Minister's Annual Dinner was held is Vergelegen Wine Estate
B) Costs in respect of
(i) venue hire (R50,000)
(ii) catering (R 294, 700)
were covered through sponsorship. The Department did not incur any costs in this respect.
There was no additional cost for security or transportation as the guests accommodated themselves and no additional amount was paid for security.
C) 800 guests attended
D) The banquet takes place after the Opening of Parliament and the President's State of the Nation Address and is hosted in honour of the Diplomatic Corps. This event affords the Minister and her guests, in particular the Diplomatic Corps, the opportunity to reflect on the President's State of the Nation address and discuss the year ahead. The Minister also uses this platform to thank and acknowledge the Diplomatic Corps for their continued diplomatic partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa as a whole.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 179 (NW197E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 2-2012 of 17 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr KS MUBU (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
(1) Whether her department supports the call by President Robert Mugabe and the ZANU-PF to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe this year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY:
(1) South Africa, through President Jacob Zuma, is mandated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to assist the Zimbabwe political leadership to implement the Global Political Agreement (GPA). The GPA provides a guide to the holding of elections in Zimbabwe. In this regard, the GPA envisages that an election in Zimbabwe will only be held following the finalisation of the constitution making process. Currently the Constitutional Parliamentary Select Committee (COPAC) is drafting a new Constitution for Zimbabwe after which a referendum and then elections should be held.
Reply received: March 2012
QUESTION NO: 87 (NW95E)PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 1-2012 OF 9 FEBRUARY 2012
Mr KS Mubu (DA) asked the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
what amount was spent by her Department on (a) accommodation, (b) transport, (c) protocol, (d) entertainment for (i) Heads of State and (ii) other specified dignitaries who attended the African National Congress's Celebration in Mangaung?
REPLY:
1. On 5 December 2011 Cabinet took a decision on the attendance by Heads of State and Government, of the ruling party's Centenary celebration in January 2012. The decision followed the historical importance of the event and interest by Heads of State and Government, and fraternal ruling parties to attend the milestone anniversary of the ruling party. Subsequent to the decision, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) acted in conformity with international accepted protocol requiring the host, in the case, the South African Government, to provide the requisite support to Heads of State and Government who visited the country, inclusive of associated costs. DIRCO acted consistent with the preamble of the Constitution of our country which outlines the aim to realize the attainment of a democratic South Africa, which is able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.
The Cabinet decision reads as follows, Cabinet:
a) Noted and acknowledged the historical, cultural and heritage importance of the centenary celebrations, both nationally and internationally;
b) Noted the internationally accepted protocol requiring the host, in this case the South African Government, to provide the requisite support to Heads of State and Government who visit the Country; and
c) Approved that all costs incurred in providing the requisite support referred to above, be accommodated within existing budgets of the relevant departments.
2. DIRCO as the national Department with a mandate to engage with the rest of the world, executed the directive from Cabinet. Furthermore, a number of bilateral meetings took place in Mangaung in the furtherance of our foreign policy. The occasion was also used to advance the lobby effort for South Africa's candidacy for the African Union Chairperson post.
3. The following costs incurred by DIRCO relate to courtesies offered to the 29 Heads of State and Government, two former Presidents, three Vice-Presidents/Vice-Prime Ministers, 11 Foreign Ministers/Deputy Foreign Ministers, eight Ministers, two Heads of Regional/International Organisations and 21 eminent persons who attended the Centenary Celebrations in Mangaung in January 2012.
(a) Accommodation: R11, 014,000 was spent on accommodation for 50 Heads of State and Government with accompanying delegations of plus two, and nine Foreign Eminent Persons with accompanying delegations of plus one.
(b) Transport: There were no expenses for DIRCO regarding transport for Heads of State and Government, and Foreign Eminent Persons.
(c) Protocol Support: R1, 010, 981 was spent on Protocol logistics. Note that this amount is inclusive of meals that were provided.
(d) Entertainment: There were no expenses for DIRCO regarding entertainment for Heads of State and Foreign Eminent Persons.