Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Cape Town
20 February 2007
Conclusion of SA-Switzerland bilateral discussions
Deputy Minister Pahad:
South Africa regards Switzerland as a very important partner and Switzerland
has declared South Africa a "strategic partner." I want to say we have had
excellent discussions on a series of issues.
Switzerland ranks among South Africa's top ten trading and investment
partners. Switzerland is also very involved in African conflict and
post-conflict situations and discussions looked at how we can increase
co-operation.
Switzerland is also very involved in the Middle East and nuclear
non-proliferation issues. We had some excellent discussions on this matter and
decided to intensify our co-operation.
State Secretary Ambuhl:
I would like to say I am very happy to be here and had excellent discussions
with the South African delegation.
Let me make three points regarding our bilateral relations:
Firstly, I would like to say that the peaceful transition to the new South
Africa has sent a very strong political message to the world. Democratic and
modern South Africa is the embodiment of a dynamic and successful country
committed to good governance and to universal values such as peace and human
rights.
We in Switzerland have great admiration for the wisdom with which you have
managed the transition processes.
Secondly, regarding our bilateral relations - they are as Deputy Minister
Pahad said, excellent politically, economically and on the levels of scientific
co-operation.
Frequent contact between both sides attest to the fact that we have
excellent political relations. Just recently, three weeks ago, our two
Presidents met and had good policy dialogue.
On an economic level, Switzerland is indeed an important investor in South
Africa - viz. the fifth largest one and bilateral trade (import and exports
together) has reached a level of R12 billion.
We are very confident that in this semester we will begin to see the
fruition of already signed trade agreements.
We have concluded a free trade agreement (FTA) between EFTA (European Free
Trade Association = Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) and SACU
(Southern African Customs Union). This will come into force later this year. We
are sure this will contribute to the increase in our bilateral trade.
Scientifically, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is about to be
finalised. This will set the basis for bilateral scientific co-operation.
Thirdly, I refer to the meeting we had yesterday. We have basically decided
on the following two points:
* We have finalised a MoU for further deepening our bilateral relations.
This will now be submitted to the relevant authorities on both sides for
approval whereupon it can be signed. This MoU is the outflow of the decision of
the Swiss government in May 2005 with which the government identified strategic
partners: China, India, Japan, Russia, US, Brazil and South Africa. This is
therefore an instrument to enrich the partnership with South Africa.
* We have also identified five concrete trilateral projects to be
implemented in third countries or in international fora:
- South Sudan regarding institution building around traditional
leadership.
- Burundi: co-operation in the question of transitional justice where we
believe we can complement South Africa's practical experience and have good
co-operation in Burundi.
- Democratic Republic of Congo regarding police training in the field of
prevention of sexual abuse towards women and children. This is an area in which
we both already have joint ventures.
- Democratic Republic of Congo regarding good governance and
decentralisation.
- UN Human Rights Council: South Africa and Switzerland have proposed a joint
resolution that will be tabled in the Council. This last example shows how well
we can co-operate, each from a different perspective, in joint projects.
Attack on commuter trains in India
The South African government condemns the terrorist attack on a train
travelling from India to Pakistan leaving scores injured and killed.
This cowardly attack against civilians in an attempt to sabotage the talks
between the governments of India and Pakistan must not succeed in achieving its
objectives.
The South African government welcomes the condemnation of this ghastly act
by both the governments of India and Pakistan.
The peoples of India and Pakistan seek peace and prosperity, not
terrorism.
We urge the authorities to take every measure to arrest the perpetrators of
this crime.
Africa
Lesotho elections
The latest official results available indicate a comfortable win for the
Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) in the 80 constituencies and its alliance
partner the National Independent Party (NIP) in the 40 Proportional
Representation votes. The final results are expected to become available by
Tuesday, 20 February 2007. There are 9 outstanding results.
Once again we are seeing what is now becoming a trend: although an election
can be declared free and fair albeit with a few problems by international
observers (the Commonwealth, SADC, etc), there is a tendency for parties to
challenge the outcomes. We must express some caution in attempts to challenge
the outcomes by claiming that there were irregularities especially when the
elections have been described as a model for future elections.
I am happy what while the leader of the All Basotho Convention (ABC) has
declared the party's intention to challenge the results in court, he has said
he will accept the decision of the court.
As at Tuesday, 20 February 2007 the results are as follows:
Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) has won 54 constituencies; the All Basotho
Convention (ABC) 17; and the Alliance of Congress Parties (ACP) 1. The LCD
enjoys a comfortable lead having obtained approximately 75 seats in the 120
member parliament. This represents 63 percent of the seats. It is therefore
obvious that the LCD will remain in power.
The ABC and its alliance partner, the Lesotho Workers' Party (LWP) has
already obtained approximately 24 percent of the seats in parliament.
Of the 10 districts, the LCD has captured roughly 6. These are Mafeteng,
Mohale's Hoek, Quthing, Qacha's Nek, Leribe and Berea.
The ABC has captured Butha-Buthe, Mokhotlong and Maseru. There are some
constituencies outstanding in the Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mohale's Hoek and
Quthing.
The LCD has performed very well in the outlaying / rural areas while the ABC
has done well in the urban and peri-urban areas.
The ABC has reported a number of irregularities in some of the
constituencies this morning. Tom Thabane stated that although his party will
challenge the results in court, he will accept the election results.
Somalia
On 18 February 2007, a car bomb exploded in Mogadishu killing all the
occupants of the car. Importantly this is reported to be the first car bomb
explosion in Mogadishu's history. Other recent attacks include mortar attacks
on Ethiopian troops based in the Digir Hospital and the killing of a policeman
by unknown gunmen.
These attacks concluded a week of increased violence which saw an explosion
at a rally in support of the intended peacekeeping mission African Union
Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and attacks on the Kaah Hotel in northern Mogadishu
where the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has been discussing the
reconciliation of Somalia. While no one has claimed responsibility for the
attacks over the weekend, including the car bomb, a new group called the
"Popular Resistance Movement in the Land of the Two Migrations" or "Muqaawama"
has claimed responsibility for other attacks aimed at Somali government
buildings and Ethiopian troops. The group demands the immediate withdrawal of
Ethiopian troops.
Clan-based militia are also becoming more involved, changing the dynamic of
the violence.
A UN sponsored week-long workshop focused on preparation for the national
reconciliation conference was held in Mogadishu. The workshop was attended by
government officials, traditional elders, religious leaders and civil society
members. Some criticism that the workshop was: firstly that warlords were not
invited to attend the workshop. Marginalising the warlords in Somalia may
undermine all reconciliation efforts, given the power and influence they still
exert. Secondly, during the workshop, Prime Minister Ghedi announced a
reshuffling of his Cabinet and other TFG institutions, which, most importantly,
did not see the reinstatement of the former Speaker of Parliament, but rather
the appointment of Sheikh Aden Madobe as Speaker. Finally, President Yusuf is
adamant that the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) will not participate in any
negotiations, stating that the UIC is a terrorist network that will be caught
and put on trial.
The International Somali Contact Group (ISCG) met in Tanzania on 9 February
2007 to discuss the current status of the situation in Somalia. The ISCG
reiterated its support for the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Somali
people in pursuing an all inclusive political process as well as the speedy
deployment of the peacekeeping force to Mogadishu, AMISOM.
AMISOM deployment is gaining momentum, with the AU making US$11,6 million
available for AMISOM, while the US is looking at extending its initial US$15
million to US$60 million for Somalia.
Uganda is preparing to send 1 500 troops to Mogadishu and the deployment
could begin within days. Ugandan army Major General Levi Karuhanga has been
appointed to command the AMISOM and spokesperson for Uganda's Ministry of
Defence, Major Felix Kulayigye, stated that "These are soldiers who have
prepared for two years for that mission...they are well-seasoned combatants.
They have been in counter-insurgency operations in northern Uganda. In other
words, we are psychologically, physically and materially prepared. "In a
resolution passed during a Ugandan Parliamentary session it was noted that the
Ugandan Parliament urges Somalia to embark on an "acceptable process of
inclusive dialogue and reconciliation, which includes the Union of Islamic
Courts."
Burundi has also supported the AMISOM and is contributing 1 700 troops to
the Mission. Army spokesman Colonel Adolphe Manirakiza has stated that the
first elements are expected to leave next week and that 80 extra army officers
would also be sent."
The United Kingdom (UK) has introduced a draft resolution in the UN Security
Council to amend Resolution 1725 and make provision for the deployment of the
AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This is necessary as Resolution 1725 makes
provision for the deployment of Intergovernmental Authority on Development
Peace Support Mission to Somalia (IGASOM) in Somalia.
South Africa supports the national reconciliation process in Somalia and is
willing to assist the TFG to ensure that the national reconciliation process is
all inclusive, incorporating all relevant role players including civil-society,
clan elders, the moderate elements of the UIC and the warlords.
On 9 February 2007, President Mbeki reiterated, in the State of the Nation
Address that the challenges in Somalia cannot be underplayed and that South
Africa will respond appropriately, given the current peacekeeping constraints,
to assist in the realisation of lasting peace and reconciliation in Somalia.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma also noted in her
response to the Parliamentary Debate on the State of the Nation Address that
"Somalia will be (a) major preoccupation for us and the rest of the African
continent for months to come."
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Political
Security Council Resolution 1742 (2007)
The Security Council this morning (15 February 2007) extended the mandate
and personnel strength of the United Nations Organisation Mission in the DRC
(MONUC) with was to expire today, until 15 April.
Unanimously adopting resolution 1742 (2007) and acting under Chapter VII of
the United Nations (UN) Charter, the Council requested the Secretary-General to
report, as soon as possible and not later than 15 March, on his consultations
with the Congolese authorities and to submit recommendations on adjustments the
Council might consider making to the mandate and capacities of MONUC.
"The Security Council...Reaffirming its commitment to continue to contribute
to the consolidation of peace and stability in the DRC in the post-transition
period.
Underlining its attachment to the continuation of a regular political
dialogue with the Congolese authorities, and recalling the importance it
attached to the consultations undertaken with them by the Secretary-General on
possible adjustments to be made to the mandate and capacities of MONUC during
this period.
Noting that the situation in the DRC continues to pose a threat to
international peace and security in the region.
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the UN decides to extend the
mandate and personnel strength of MONUC until 15 April 2007.
Requests the Secretary-General to report, as soon as possible and not later
than 15 March 2007, on his consultations with the Congolese authorities and to
submit recommendations on adjustments the Council may consider making to the
mandate and capacities of MONUC."
However, South Africa, through a determined effort, will stay engaged in the
DRC. We are of the view that early withdrawal of the international community
risks a reversal of gains that have already been made in establishing peace and
security in that country. South Africa is therefore seeking sustained
international support with the purpose of further consolidating democracy,
rebuilding the economy and engaging the people of the DRC. The process should
ideally proceed in such a way as to ensure meaningful development and a gradual
withdrawal of international peacekeeping forces when peace, security and
stability are ascertained.
The Secretary-General in his latest report on the DRC looked at the question
of whether or not sanctions should be imposed on the country as a way of
cleaning up the mining industry. However, given the uncertainty of whether
sanctions would work against such practices, as well as the recent election
with the first democratically elected President, the Secretary-General
recommended against imposing them as it would do little to reduce the use of
force in extracting minerals, diminish fraud and encourage responsible
corporate behaviour.
South Africa concurs with the Secretary-General that UN sanctions against
the DRC may be perceived as punitive, whether they target State actors or are
intended to reflect on the capacity of the State to manage its affairs.
Economic recovery constitutes a major challenge for the DRC. As the South
African government departments are contributing towards the post conflict
reconstruction of the DRC, we encourage South African businesspeople to support
the efforts of government to rehabilitate the economy in that country through
increased foreign direct investment.
Security
It is essential for the newly formed government to continue to draw the
populace closer and to reconcile with the minorities from the Eastern Provinces
of the DRC. This would assist in stabilising the security situation in the
provinces and the region.
The integration of General Nkunda's forces into the Forces Armees de la
Republic Democratic du Congo (FARDC), as part of the agreement brokered by
Rwanda, has been in progress since the start of 2007. South Africa supports the
process and encourages the government of the DRC and the forces of General
Nkunda to continue with the process and adhere to agreements reached for the
well being of the country and the region.
Sudan
On Sunday, 18 February 2007, the AU's Salim Ahmed Salim and the UN's Jan
Eliasson briefed President Omar Hassan Al Bashir on the outcome of the
discussions they held with senior government officials and both signatories and
non-signatories to the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).
President Al Bashir "stressed the commitment of the Government to support
the dialogue with non-DPA signatories and expressed Sudan's keenness to improve
relations with Chad," according to the UN Mission in the country United Nations
Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), which said the Sudanese leader also pledged to boost
humanitarian work and co-operate with UN agencies and non-governmental
organisations (NGOs).
At a joint news conference with Salim Ahmed Salim, the AU's special envoy to
Darfur and UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy Jan Eliasson warned, "a missed
opportunity again on Darfur - not building on what we have achieved and not
taking the chance to finally get this conflict behind us - will be a serious
mistake."
"There cannot be a military solution to the crisis in Darfur," Salim said.
"The result is only suffering, death and destruction for ordinary people."
Salim said they had urged parties to the conflict to stop the violence. "We
have been encouraged by the initial reaction of everybody we met on this issue
- the importance of the de-escalation of violence - and by the assurances from
all the other parties that they will do their utmost to facilitate the
operations of humanitarian organisations."
"We are going to operate with a sense of urgency," the envoy added. "Because
if you say 'we will continue to consult and consult and consult,' the more time
you take, the more people will die."
Over the past year, a significant number of attacks have been directed at
humanitarian workers, severely curtailing aid operations. Observers say the
culprits remain largely unidentified due to growing confusion over which groups
are politically motivated rebels and which are mere bandits.
The UN Human Rights Council voted to send a fact-finding mission to Darfur,
but Sudan this week did not issue visas to the team as it waited in Addis
Ababa.
Statement by the US: "The United States is deeply disappointed that the
Government of Sudan has publicly announced it will not grant visas ... the
United States calls on the Government of Sudan to grant the entire team entry
into Sudan."
The UN Human Rights Council's fact finding mission on Darfur travelled to
neighbouring Chad to interview refugees who fled the war-torn region, having
failed to secure Sudanese visas.
Speaking in New York, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said he was
disappointed the team could not visit Sudan, and had raised the issue with the
Sudanese president.
The Secretary-General also indicated that President Bashir "promised he
would send his reply as soon as possible on the planned deployment of a hybrid
UN-AU force for Darfur.
Darfur Rebel Group accepts ceasefire
One of the biggest Darfur rebel factions said on Thursday, 15 February 2007
it would respect a ceasefire and was ready to resume peace talks with the
government to try and halt violence that has killed 200 000 people.
Peace talks have faltered in the past, and only one of three main rebel
factions signed a 2006 deal. Since then the rebels have fragmented into
numerous factions, but the group which agreed to the ceasefire on Thursday is
one of the largest.
"We will respect the ceasefire and once we have our commanders' conference
we will attend peace negotiations," rebel commander Jar el-Neby told
reporters.
Chad-Sudan-Central African Republic Summit
Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir, Chadian President Idriss Deby and
President of the Central African Republic Francois Bozize have agreed to not
support fighters attacking each other's territory.
Lam Akol, Sudan's foreign minister said, "There is agreement that each
country will respect the sovereignty of the other countries and no country will
support any rebellion within its territory."
The deal was reached on the sidelines of the Franco-Africa Summit in
Cannes.
AU Chairperson President John Kufuor said the three parties might be ready
to accept a new proposal for a joint AU and UN force operating at the borders
between them.
Burundi
Guerrilla's belonging to Burundi's last rebel group arrived in Bujumbura on
Sunday, 18 February 2007 to work alongside the government to monitor a
ceasefire in the Central African Nations.
Rubin Tubirabe, Head of the FNL delegation said, "The FNL does not want
anymore fighting but it wants lasting peace for the Burundian people."
Tubirabe said FNL leader Agathon Rwasa was already in Burundi to implement
the ceasefire agreement.
South African mediator Charles Nqakula, said the monitoring team led by
South Africa and which includes UN and AU representatives, would begin its work
on 19 February 2007.
"The way forward will allow combatants of FNL to be led to areas where they
will assemble. That exercise will open up a programme that will see them being
integrated into the social, political and economic life of this country."
Burundi's Interior Minister Major-General Evariste Ndayishimiye said, "We
are happy to receive our brothers and sisters from the FNL. We want them to
understand that it is now time to end the war and think about rebuilding the
country which was destroyed by many years of war."
Middle East
Palestine-Israel
We welcome the Mecca Accord between President Abbas and Prime Minister
Haniyeh on Friday, 9 February 2007.
The statement issued by Fatah and Hamas after this dialogue said it
"fortunately ended in success." The Mecca Agreement said "an agreement was
reached on the following:
"First: a ban on the shedding of Palestinian blood including the adoption of
all necessary measures to prevent this; reaffirmation of the importance of
national unity as a basis for national steadfastness, confronting the
occupation and achieving the legitimate national goals of the Palestinian
people; adopting the language of dialogue as the sole basis for solving
political disagreements in the Palestinian arena.
"Second: reaching a final agreement on forming a Palestinian national unity
government according to a detailed agreement approved by both sides, and which
would be based on taking the appropriate constitutional measures to form this
government.
"Third: to move forth in activating and reforming the Palestine Liberation
Organisation (PLO) and expediting the work of the preparatory committee based
on the Cairo and Damascus Understandings. Detailed steps in this regard have
also been agreed upon by both sides.
"Fourth: to reinforce the principle of political partnership on the basis of
enacted laws in the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and on the basis of
political pluralism according to an agreement ratified by both parties.
"We are happy to present this agreement to our people, to the Arab and
Islamic nation and to all our friends throughout the world. We pledge our
commitment to this agreement in letter and in spirit so that we can devote our
time to achieving our national goals, eliminating the occupation and regaining
our rights. We need to devote our time to key issues, mainly Jerusalem, the
refugees, the Aqsa Mosque, the prisoners and detainees and to our battle
against the wall and settlements."
Subsequent to the conclusion of the historic Mecca Agreement, and consistent
with its provisions, the President of the Palestine National Authority (PNA),
Mahmoud Abbas, wrote a letter of commission to the PNA Prime Minister, Ismail
Abdul Salam Haniyyeh, in which he said:
"In my capacity as Chairman of the PLO Executive Committee and President of
the PNA, after reviewing the Basic Law and based on my mandated
authorities:
"First: I commission you to form the next Palestinian government within the
period stipulated in the Basic Law.
"Third: I call on you as premier of the next government to abide by the
interests of the Palestinian people; to protect their rights and preserve and
develop their achievements; and to work towards achieving their national goals
as ratified by the resolutions of the PNC, the Basic Law, the national
conciliation document and the resolutions of Arab summits.
"Accordingly, I call on you to respect legitimate Arab and international
resolutions and agreements signed by the PLO."
Prime Minister Haniya asked to form unity government
President Abbas on Thursday, 15 February 2007 said, "Brother Ismail Haniya
presented me with his government's resignation and I charged him with forming
his new cabinet."
The president said he hoped that the new government, following a period of
political and economic crisis, would "inaugurate a new Palestinian era in which
people live in peace and security."
Haniya has five weeks to put together the new cabinet and get it approved by
parliament.
Haniya said he would "work in accordance" with Abbas's letter of
designation.
The key finance ministry will go to the internationally respected Salam
Fayad from the Third Way party, and the foreign ministry to independent MP Ziad
Abu Amr, a moderate who was elected with Hamas backing.
The interior ministry will also go to an independent, nominated by Hamas but
approved by Abbas. Another three parliamentary political factions are entitled
to nominate a minister to the new cabinet.
Reactions
"Israel needs a negotiating partner that acknowledges Israel's right to
exist, renounces the use of violence against Israel and also abides by previous
international agreements involving the Palestinians and Israel," spokesperson
Tony Snow said.
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice said, "In fact, we have said that we will
wait until the government is formed and then we'll make a decision about how to
deal with that government," she told pan-Arab television Al-Arabiya.
Briefing by Special Co-ordinator for Middle East Peace Process
Alvaro de Soto, Special Co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said
a very important step forward had been taken in the cause of stability and
unity among Palestinians, with the agreement reached in Mecca to form a
national unity Government.
A newly active Quartet, a more closely involved Arab world, a Palestinian
national unity Government, and the beginning of political dialogue between the
parties had, when taken together, the potential to help restore calm and
reenergise efforts to achieve a two-State solution.
The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said, "I sincerely hope that with the
establishment of a national unity government we will be able to see soon the
vision realised when Israeli and Palestinian people will be able to live side
by side in peace and prosperity - the ultimate objective of the Quartet process
- with the national unity government we hope that the Palestinian Authority and
Israel will further engage in a peace process; in such a case I cannot see any
reason why we would not be able to lift sanctions."
After the Mecca Agreement was concluded, Khalid Mish'al, leader of Hamas,
wrote an article which appeared in the British "The Guardian" newspaper on 13
February. Among other things he said:
"A historic new phase in the Palestinian struggle for freedom and
independence has begun. Last week's Mecca agreement between Hamas and Fatah
will pave the way for the first ever truly Palestinian national unity
government. Hamas and Fatah, joined by all the other Palestinian factions, will
now seek to rebuild Palestinian society following the destruction brought upon
it by Israeli occupation and resume the campaign for our national rights.
"The Mecca agreement has laid the foundations for a power-sharing process
that will produce a functioning government capable of attending to our people's
needs. It will also pave the way for rebuilding the PLO to include all the
factions and become the legitimate representative of all Palestinian people.
The partnership born out of the Mecca meeting is possible because of the
consensus among the Palestinians that their primary objective is to win their
freedom, and that their struggle should be solely against occupation. It is now
up to the international community to respect this accord and the will of the
Palestinian people."
"Now that Hamas and Fatah have agreed to form a national unity government,
the international community has no excuse to maintain the siege against our
people. We know that many governments around the world are unhappy with these
sanctions and want to see an end to them. The Palestinian national accord
achieved in Mecca envisages the establishment of a truly sovereign and
independent Palestinian state on the territories occupied by Israel in June
1967 - with Jerusalem as its capital, the dismantling of the settlements in the
West Bank, the release of all Palestinian prisoners and the acknowledgement of
the right of the refugees to return to their homes.
"Once translated into reality, this vision will pave the way for real peace
in the region. There must be no more blackmail of Palestinians, for there is
nothing else they can give away. Global powers should have learned by now that
neither sanctions nor any other form of pressure or bribery will force the
Palestinians to abandon their struggle for freedom and independence."
"It must be understood by all that the people of Palestine have the key to
both peace and war in the Middle East. There can never be peace and stability
in the region without settling the Palestinian question. And that can only be
achieved by ending the occupation and recognising our people's rights."
President Mbeki in the 'ANC Today' on Friday, 16 February 2007 wrote,
"Everybody genuinely interested in securing the legitimate national rights of
the people of Palestine, in achieving the long outstanding just and permanent
peace between Israel and Palestine, in bringing peace to the Middle East, in
the interest of both the peoples of the region and the rest of humanity, must
take the observations made by Khalid Mish'al seriously.
The conclusion of the Mecca Agreement must surely serve as a firm signal
that the rest of the world must now end all measures intended to isolate the
Palestinian Authority, and thus show respect for the wishes of the Palestinian
people and their decisions to determine their own internal affairs. Anything
else will not contribute to advance the cause of peace between Israel and
Palestine and the rest of the Middle East.
The challenge also faces the Government of Israel to respond positively to
the Mecca Agreement, among other things by releasing all funds due to the
Palestinian Authority and adopting a positive posture with regard to the tasks
to reduce the misery afflicting the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and
create a climate conducive to the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine
conflict.
President Mbeki on 16 February 2007 wrote, "The balance of power in this
regard decisively favours Israel. To end the destructive conflict that has gone
on for far too long, will require the wisdom and courage of the more powerful.
The positive results that both the Israeli and Palestinian people pray for will
not come of their own accord."
"They will come about as a result of conscious and deliberate actions which
must be taken in the first instance by the more powerful. Each positive step
towards a just peace will create the conditions for the next positive step
towards a just peace, until the process towards a just and permanent peace
develops an organic logic and momentum that convinces all antagonists that to
resort to violence is to turn the guns against the irreversible prospect of
peace and security for all."
"But it is imperative that the first step is taken, the first building block
of peace put in place, without waiting for the perfect conditions for the
construction of peace, because those perfect conditions will never amount to
anything more than a dream forever deferred. The moment demands that all those
charged with the responsibility to lead should dare to sue for peace, inspired
by the same courage with which they have dared to go to war."
These views expressed by President Mbeki demands inspired and creative
leadership in the interests of the Palestinian and Israeli people, the region
and international peace, security and stability.
Once again it seems that powerful forces are incapable of grasping an
opportunity for peace and stability and remain committed to negotiating
positions that make solutions impossible.
Prime Minister Olmert's stated before the meeting between himself, President
Abbas and Secretary of State Rice, that they would not deal with the
Palestinian unity government unless it recognised Israel, renounced all
violence and accept previous peace accords. He suggested that President Bush
supported this position.
Secretary of State Rice met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President
Abbas in Jerusalem on Monday, 19 February 2007.
The New York Times today 20 February 2007 reported that:
"An American-sponsored meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders meant
to start a new peace initiative after six years ended Monday with little more
concrete than a promise to meet again."
Ms Rice and her aides made it clear that her efforts had been complicated by
the recent decision in principle of the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud
Abbas to bring Fatah faction into the unity government with Hamas, which
Israel, the United States of America (US) and the European Union (EU) consider
a terrorist organisation.
"The joint statement read by Ms Rice after two hours of talks on Monday with
Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas was vague. The two men 'discussed
their views of the diplomatic and political horizon,' the statement said and
agreed to meet 'soon.'
A top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat said, President Abbas had agreed to
the unity government deal, signed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to end weeks of
fighting between Hamas and Fatah. He added that President Abbas, as the legal
representative of the Palestinians as head of the Palestinian Liberation
Organisation, "recognises Israel, and that's what really matters."
Remarks by Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice after her meeting
"It was a very useful and productive meeting.
All three of us affirmed our commitment to a two-state solution, agreed that
a Palestinian state cannot be born of violence and terror, and reiterated our
acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap.
The President and Prime Minister also discussed issues arising from the
agreement for a formation of a Palestinian national unity government, and the
position of the Quartet that any Palestinian Authority government must be
committed to non-violence, the recognition of Israel, and acceptance of
previous agreements and obligations, including regarding the Roadmap.
The President and Prime Minister agreed that they would meet together again
soon. They reiterated their desire for American participation and leadership in
facilitating efforts to overcome obstacles, ally regional and international
support ant move forward toward peace.
I expect to return to the region soon."
Comments by Prime Minister Olmert
Prime Minister Olmert demanded yesterday in talks with President Abbas and
US Secretary of State Rice that the Palestinian Unity Government recognise
Israel, renounce terror and accept previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements.
The conditions were first set by the Quartet, comprised of the US, EU, UN
and Russia.
Israel will not have any contact with Palestinian figures who are considered
moderates, such as finance minister-designate Salam Fayad, if they serve in a
government that does not accept the Quartet's conditions. Prime Minister Olmert
rejected the suggestion that Israel negotiate with the Palestinian Liberation
Organisation, headed by President Abbas, thereby freeing Hamas of the
requirement to recognise Israel.
Prime Minister Olmert promised that Israel would maintain contact with
President Abbas, but said the relationship would be limited to two subjects:
fighting terror in accordance with the first phase of the roadmap and making
the daily lives of Palestinian civilians easier.
Speaking after the Summit at a meeting with politicians from his Kadima
Party, Prime Minister Olmert said he would maintain contact with President
Abbas, despite his dissatisfaction with the incoming Palestinian government. He
said he had stressed "unequivocally" during the Summit that the Palestinian
government must accept international conditions for recognising Israel.
Al Jazeera's correspondent speaking from Jerusalem said, "it is difficult to
see anything tangible from the meeting."
The Al Jazeera correspondent speaking from the Gaza said, "The view here is
that Rice has backed the Israeli line and disregarding Palestinian
aspirations."
Quartet Position
While awaiting formation of the new Palestinian government, the Quartet
reaffirmed its statement of 2 February regarding its support for a Palestinian
government committed to non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of
previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap.
The Quartet will meet again on 21 February 2007 during which it will, among
others, discuss outcomes of the meeting between US Secretary of State
Condoleeza Rice, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Mahmoud Abbas.
Iran: Nuclear non-proliferation
Japan has decided to impose trade sanctions on Iran in an effort to block
the country's nuclear development programme, Tokyo's top government spokesman
said.
Japan has also decided to ban Iranian imports of materials related to
nuclear activities.
The measures include freezing the financial assets of 10 entities and 12
individuals deems to be involved in Iran's nuclear programme and bans on
transfers of materials, technology and funds that could enhance its nuclear
activity.
The resolution demands that Iran ends all research on uranium enrichment,
which can lead to the production of fuel for nuclear power plants as well as
for bombs, and halt all research and development of methods for producing or
delivering atomic weapons.
The United Nations Security Council will receive a report from the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday, 23 February 2007 on Iran's
compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1737.
President Ahmadinejad in an exclusive interview with ABC:
"We are opposed to any proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and
nuclear weapons. The time is now over for nuke weapons. It is a time for logic,
for rationality and for civilisation. Our people have no problem with American
public, and we have a very friendly relationship."
"Within the framework of regulations, we're always ready to co-operate.
We've always co-operated, and we'll continue to co-operate. We want dialogue
within the framework of regulations."
"We are a member of the agency, and we intend to have what we are entitled
to ... within this framework we are ready to negotiate."
"The current president doesn't feel obliged to speak within the framework of
the law. He thinks to be above the law."
Iraq
A new UN-backed study said that from a thriving middle incoming economy in
the 1970s and 1980s, one third of today's Iraqi population lives in poverty
with more than 5% living in extreme poverty.
Prepared by the Iraqi Central Organisation for Statistics and Information
Technology with the support of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the
statistics show that a high percentage of people in Iraq live under various
levels of poverty and human deprivation despite the country's huge economic and
natural resources.
The policies applied to transform the Iraqi economy to a free market, such
as the lifting of subsidies and the dismantling of state instruments, are
exacerbating deprivation levels, the UNDP said.
Questions and answers
Question: Secretary of State Ambuhl, can you elaborate on the joint
resolution to be tabled in the Human Rights Council?
Answer: This Resolution will be a resolution on transitional justice. We
have agreed that we look into this in greater detail. We will table it in one
of the next sessions of the Council.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
20 February 2007
