Briefing following meeting of N Dlamini Zuma with Foreign Minister of
France

3 April 2006

Remarks by Minister Dlamini Zuma

I am very pleased to have met with Minister Giradin again.

We have covered a wide range of African issues including Burundi, the
Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti and matters relating to our
bilateral co-operation.

We have agreed that France and South Africa will work very closely and
co-ordinate positions with regard to African issues and matters related to
co-operation in other multilateral foray and that we must speak with a united
voice on matters.

I would also like to reiterate my appreciation with the timeous way in which
French President Chirac and indeed the entire French government responded to
our request for assistance following the Koeberg problems. We are indeed very
grateful for their cooperation and assistance.

Remarks by Deputy Minister Giradin

Minister Dlamini Zuma has indeed effectively summarised the contents of our
meeting.

We are quite used to meeting monthly in Côte d'Ivoire as we are both members
of the International Working Group on Côte d'Ivoire.

During our discussions this morning we have had a wide range of discussions
relating to Africa and beyond.

South Africa is a privileged partner of France, bilaterally (I am here to
enhance our bilateral co-operation) and with regard to co-operation in other
spheres. In this regard we have co-operated in terms of providing assistance to
South Africa's Koeberg power plant. We have also identified the following
priority sectors environment, infrastructure development, etc. I am having
meetings tomorrow to discuss cooperation in these various spheres.

There is a common will between South Africa and France to strengthen
co-operation. In other words there should be a good duet between both
countries.

South Africa is a good partner in Africa and beyond. We attach much
importance to analyses and are very happy to have noted alignments on many
subjects and concerns with regard to conflicts in Côte d'Ivoire, DRC and
Burundi.

It is very important to meet regularly.

We are also very pleased that South Africa responded positively to French
President Chirac's proposals for innovative ways to finance development at the
Conference in France at the end of February.

Questions and answers:

Question: Minister Dlamini Zuma, you mentioned discussions on Haiti. Has
there been any agreement with regard to the position of former President
Aristide?

Answer: South Africa as the host to President Aristide is still willing to
host him. We are in no hurry to ship him back to Haiti. His return to Haiti
must also be negotiated and agreed to by the new government. However, President
Aristide is not in exile forever nor is he going back next week. We will allow
all the governmental and constitutional processes in Haiti to be finalised
before he returns.

Question: Minister Giradin, you mentioned there were some concerns regarding
Côte d'Ivoire. What are these?

Answer: On Côte d'Ivoire, we are of the same mind and have the same
objective. The Ivorians must choose democracy and decide transparently how they
wish to proceed. Elections have been scheduled for October this year these
should be free, fair and unquestionably transparent. We feel that the best man
should win and that each Ivorian should be allowed to express themselves freely
in the elections.

Question: Minister Dlamini Zuma, with regard to the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC), the deadline for the registration of election candidates has
passed without the registration of the main opposition party. Has this matter
been discussed?

Answer: (Minister Dlamini Zuma) I believe the Independent Electoral
Commission (IEC) has decided to extend the registration date for the elections
by a few days. However, Presidential candidates cannot be forced to register to
participate in elections. We do, however, believe that the conditions should be
there for each citizen to express their will in the elections.

(Minister Giradin) We would like elections to be held as soon as possible.
We have, however, noted through the referendum the will of the people to
express themselves. We must, however, ensure that elections can be held and
that people must be allowed to express their views.

Question: Minister Dlamini Zuma you have mentioned your gratitude to the
French government for the assistance provided following the Koeberg disaster.
Do you expect any future co-operation?

Answer: The co-operation between both governments is very good. In terms of
energy co-operation, we are all looking forward to achieving the decisions of
the World Summit of Development that encourages all countries to increase their
renewable energy resources. South Africa is looking forward to achieving this.
France has already done much work in this regard and we look forward to
learning from them.

Question: Minister Dlamini Zuma what help did the French provide with regard
to the Koeberg power plant?

Answer: As you know we needed a rotor to replace the one at the Koeberg
power plant. The French assisted us by providing with the rotor and some other
parts.

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
3 April 2006