A Pahad: Briefing notes on international affairs

21 September 2006

* Two major developments have preceded the 61st session of the United
Nations (UN) General Assembly that is currently underway in New York, the first
was the 14th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM) and the second was the inaugural Heads of State and Government
Summit of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Trilateral Forum.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit

* The 14th NAM Summit reaffirmed that the NAM movement is as relevant as it
has ever been; with a membership of 118 countries it has a great capacity to
work cohesively and with solidarity in the interests of the agenda of the
south.

* This summit consolidated the relevance of the movement. The summit
identified that great challenges exist in the areas of peace and security,
economic development and social progress, human rights and the rule of law.
Many new areas of concern and challenges have emerged which warrant commitment
to uphold and defend the purposes and principles of the Charter of the UN and
the principles of international law.

* It is commonly accepted that we live in a more dangerous world than ever
before, one in which there is a continuing lack of resources and
underdevelopment, continuing lack of cooperation of and where coercive and
unilateral measures are imposed. Rich and powerful nations continue to exercise
an inordinate influence in determining the nature of international relations
including economic and trade relations.

* The movement reaffirmed support for its guiding principals and will uphold
the principles of sovereignty equality, territorial integrity and
non-intervention in the internal affairs of any State.

* The movement will develop friendly relations based on respect for
principle of equal rights and the self-determination of people, achieve
international co-operation in solving international problems and promote and
encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without
distinction.

* So we have returned from Havana having reasserted the core values that
have driven the movement since its founding in 1962.

* Global peace and security continue to elude humankind as result of, inter
alia, increasing tendency to resort to unilateralism and unilaterally imposed
measures, non-fulfilment of the commitments and obligations assumed under the
relevant international legally binding instruments especially on weapons of
mass destruction and conventional weapons treaties, terrorism, conflicts,
violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, the use of
double standards and the failure to fulfil commitments in the economic and
social fields.

* The gathering concluded that globalisation presents opportunities,
challenges and risks and has produced uneven benefits among and within States,
slow and lopsided growth and instability. Globalisation must be transformed
into a positive force benefiting the largest number of countries, generate
global strategy to prioritise the development dimension into global processes
benefit from the opportunities offered by globalisation and trade
liberalisation which requires greater coherence between the international
trading, monetary and financial systems that should be open, equitable,
rule-based, predictable and non-discriminatory.

* There is an increasingly vast and widening digital divide between
developed and developing countries which must be bridged. Technological
innovations must be made more easily available to modernise and revitalise
economies.

* In this regard, while the majority of countries in the movement are
underdeveloped, there are countries in NAM like South Africa, India, South
Korea, Nigeria that are at quite advanced stages of development. There
therefore exists the opportunity for countries such as these to co-operate
amongst themselves to work in the best interests of facilitating the
development of the south.

* We also spent a lot of time discussing the methodology of the movement and
to make it more relevant to the current global paradigm. I want to believe that
many of the issues discussed at the NAM will have a resonance at the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) currently underway.

* There will be a stronger cohesion amongst Heads of State and Government at
the UNGA 61 to support multilateralism, preventing unilateral actions and
ensure the reform of the UN in its totality.

* NAM has emerged from this session as a greater force.

* The issues of Iraq, Iran and Palestine were all dealt with in a manner
that will guide the way in which these issues are addressed at the UNGA 61.

* I want to believe that we emerged stronger from the Havana Summit.

India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Summit

* This inaugural meeting of the Heads of State and Government of India,
Brazil and South Africa dealt with many of the same issues as the NAM and UNGA
61.

* The three leaders discussed sustainable economic and social development in
the world and their respective regions, multilateralism, the reform of the UN
and the Security Council (SC). They also expressed concern at the latest
failure in the Doha Round of Trade negotiations and expressed hope that the
matter will be resolved before it leads to the complete collapse of the
international trading system with all its consequences.

* The leaders also committed themselves to working within the framework of
UNGA and NAM to pursue UN reform. India and Brazil have both indicated their
candidatures for a permanent SC seat. The African Union (AU) has not yet
decided on an African candidate as it is awaiting details on the exact size of
the expansion of the SC.

* The leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They
stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of
terrorism. They shared the view that the international community should
intensity efforts and co-operation to fight this scourge. They called on all
member states to seriously work towards an expeditious finalisation of the text
for a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. This matter is long
overdue and has been reinforced by the NAM declaration on terrorism. I believe
with these developments we are now firmly on the road to comprehensively
fighting terrorism.

* The leaders also committed themselves to further enhancing trilateral
co-operation in the field of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) and to
explore the possibilities of concluding a trilateral instrument for
collaboration among all three countries for research and development of
HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB diagnostic tools, drugs and vaccines. This would pool
the significant capabilities that exist in the IBSA countries.

* India, Brazil and South Africa share similar views regarding the
importance of achieving sustainable development, particularly through the
eradication of poverty, the promotion of economic growth and the protection of
the environment and urged the donor countries to meet their official
development assistance targets and to mobilise new and additional financial
resources.

* The Prime Minister of India and the Presidents of Brazil and South Africa
took stock of the global security situation concerning disarmament and
non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The leaders reiterated
their commitment to the goal of complete elimination of nuclear weapons. They
emphasised the necessity to start negotiations on a phased programme for the
complete elimination of nuclear weapons in a comprehensive, non-discriminatory
and verifiable manner with a specified framework of time. The leaders
reaffirmed the inalienable right of all countries to have nuclear technology
for peaceful purposes, consistent with their international legal obligations.
The leaders agreed to explore approaches to co-operation in the peaceful uses
of nuclear energy under appropriate safeguards.

* In this regard, the NAM Summit issued a special declaration on the Iranian
nuclear situation and supported the position of the IBSA Heads of State and
Government.

* The IBSA Summit also looked at the collapse of the World Trade
Organisation's (WTO) Doha trade negotiations. Failure to conclude the
negotiations in accordance with the mandate will deprive developing countries
of fair and equitable conditions for fully realising their right to
development. Distortions affecting agricultural trade and production should be
expeditiously eliminated and agriculture should be fully incorporated into the
rules of the multilateral trading system. They called upon countries that have
not yet done so to substantially and effectively reduce their expenditures on
agricultural subsidies. India, Brazil and South Africa shall spare no effort to
resume the suspended negotiations.

* The leaders reviewed initiatives for trilateral sectoral co-operation and
expressed deep satisfaction with new, concrete results achieved during the
first IBSA Summit in the areas of energy, agriculture, transportation, trade,
science and technology and information society. They decided to further explore
additional opportunities for trilateral co-operation.

* The Heads of State and Government expressed their deep satisfaction with
the signing, during the 1st IBSA Summit, of the IBSA action plan on trade
facilitation for standards, technical regulations and conformity
assessment.

* They expressed their full support and commitment to the expeditious
establishment of the working group to focus on the modalities for the envisaged
India-Mercosur-Southern African Customs Union (SACU) trilateral free trade
area.

* They reaffirmed, in parallel, the importance of ongoing India-Mercosur and
Mercosur-SACU negotiations with a view to broadening and deepening existing
tariff preference agreements.

* The Business Forum held ahead of the Summit was concluded successfully. We
do believe, however, that the representation by Brazil and India was not
matched by South Africa.

* A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Biofuels was signed with the
decision to create a Trilateral Task Force on Biofuels to work on concrete
areas of common interest.

* The Prime Minister of India and the President of South Africa praised the
ethanol international initiative launched by Brazil and agreed on the need to
work together to promote and enhance the use of ethanol and biodiesel.

* The Heads of State and Government agreed that the MoU on trilateral
co-operation in agriculture and allied fields, signed during the IBSA Summit,
will be an important instrument to promote socio-economic development and
south-south co-operation.

* The Heads of State and Government welcomed the signing of the IBSA
trilateral agreement concerning merchant shipping and other maritime transport
related matters.

* They also emphasised the importance of implementing the MoU on civil
aviation as soon as possible, through the establishment of regular air services
linking India, Brazil and South Africa. They encouraged airlines from the three
countries to continue working towards this goal.

* The Heads of State and Government expressed their satisfaction with the
signing of an IBSA Framework of Cooperation on Information Society, which
provides the basis for future trilateral work aiming at reducing the digital
divide in their societies.

* The Heads of State and Government emphasised the fact that the IBSA
Facility Fund constitutes a pioneer and unique initiative of south-south
co-operation. In this regard, they expressed their satisfaction with the
initiatives in Guinea-Bissau and Haiti. The Prime Minister of India and the
Presidents of Brazil and South Africa underscored their countries' commitment
to allocate at least US$ 1 million a year to the IBSA Facility Fund. IBSA
members encourage developing countries, particularly the least developing
countries, to submit projects to the IBSA Fund.

* Second Summit of the IBSA Dialogue Forum will be hosted by South Africa,
on a date to be set through diplomatic channels.

* I believe the IBSA and NAM Summits have laid a firm foundation through
which we can interact on the agenda of the south. We should now move into the
arena of concretising south-south co-operation.

* It is my hope that the South African private sector will take advantage of
the opportunities being presented through these dynamic initiatives.

Visit to South Africa by Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh

* South African President Thabo Mbeki will host Indian Prime Minister Dr
Manmohan Singh on his first official visit to South Africa scheduled from
Saturday to Tuesday, 30 September – 3 October 2006.

* South Africa and India share a strategic partnership in developing the
agenda of the south and the visit will take place within the context of South
Africa's commitment to consolidate south-south relations for increased market
and trade access.

* The visit will help us consolidate the outcomes of the NAM and IBSA
Summits and share perspectives of south-south co-operation.

* Issues on the agenda of discussions between President Mbeki and Prime
Minister Singh at the Union Buildings are expected to include among
others:
- bilateral political and economic relations between both countries
- consolidation of the outcomes of the IBSA and NAM Summits with a view to
fast-tracking the developmental agenda of the south
- outcomes of the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly including
the comprehensive reform of the UN
- African developmental issues, peace and security on the continent, in this
regard we hope that India will follow some of the other Asian giants and become
more involved in Africa.

* This is a very important visit for us and will also give Prime Minister
Singh an opportunity to, together with President Thabo Mbeki, commemorate the
100th anniversary of the founding of the Satyagraha philosophy by Mohandas
(Mahatma) Ghandi in South Africa. This will be a wonderful opportunity to pay
tribute to Mahatma Ghandi's historical legacy.

* While in South Africa, Prime Minister Singh will also visit sites in
KwaZulu-Natal in Durban of particular relevance to Mahatma Ghandi and interact
with the members of the South Africa – India CEOs forum chaired by Patrice
Matsepe and Rattan Tata in Johannesburg.

Economic relations

Trade between South Africa and India continues to grow. In 2005, total
bilateral trade approached a level of R14.5 billion, with imports from India at
R7.02 billion and exports to India at R7.5 billion. India currently ranks as
South Africa's 13th most important export market and the 13th most important
import market.

The sheer size of the Indian economy (14th largest manufacturing economy in
the world) gives it an influential position in the global market in which South
Africa has a key interest. Since South Africa and India have similar
developmental challenges, their collective capacity in bargaining and voicing
concerns that affect their economies in international forums is made highly
effective. As a key emerging regional economy, India provides a platform for
the re-integration of the South African economy with that of South Asia.

Opportunities for closer co-operation in the following sectors have been
identified and form part of South Africa's trade development agenda in
India:
* capital equipment
* agro-processed product
* autos and components
* services
* information and communications technology (ICT)
* science and technology
* health
* small, medium and micro medium enterprise (SMME).

While economic relations between both countries are strong and healthy, we
believe there is room for this to be increased.

We will also look at defence co-operation between both countries. This is
already quite substantive but again, there is room for growth.

Agreements between South Africa and India being presently negotiated:
* free trade framework agreement/ preferential trade agreement (SACU)
* MoU on co-operation in the field of agriculture
* MoU on ICT
* agreement on the promotion of investment
* MoU between the South African and Indian foreign service institutes.

Investment

Indian investments in South Africa have grown in quantity as well as
diversity. Investors include Tata (vehicles, information technology (IT),
investment in ferro-chrome); Mahindras (utility vehicles) and a number of
pharmaceutical companies including Ranbaxy, Cipla, etc. In 2004, Coromandal of
India acquired 2.5 percent stake in Poskor, the Tata Group has 26 percent
participation in the second national operator in the telecom sector approved by
government in 2005. Their Ferro-chrome plant in Richards Bay has received the
go-ahead and they are also interested in moving into power generation and
mining in due course. A JV is reported to have been set up between Adlab Films,
India and Pan African Strategic Investments to produce films, bringing an
estimated R50 million of investment to South Africa. In January 2006, Apollo
Tyres acquired Dunlop South Africa in a R500 million deal and Indro Power
Supply announced its plans to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and
to build a terminal to ship coal and iron-ore to India and China. In July 2006
Godrej Consumer Products Ltd signed an agreement to acquire the Rapidol which
had turnover of R52 million in 2005. Ashok Leyland plans to invest R50 million
in a motor assembly plant in KwaZulu-Natal. The UB Group of India also has a
limited investment in the hotel business.

South African investments in India are growing. South African Breweries
(SAB) has acquired a majority interest in Mysore Breweries (US$ 17.5 million);
Shoprite has established an outlet in Mumbai; the Durban businessman Mr Vivian
Reddy has plans to invest in a casino project in Haryana in partnership with
former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev. In February 2006 Airport Company South
Africa (ACSA) won the contract for upgrading the Mumbai Airport; Sasol is keen
to invest in a coal-to-fuel project in India and several South African
pharmaceutical companies have signed JV and other agreements with Indian
counterparts.

The South Africa – India CEOs Business Forum

* The Indo – South Africa CEOs Business Forum was launched in October 2004
after the State visit of President Kalam to South Africa. The forum is aimed at
stimulating trade and investment between both countries.

* The second meeting of the CEOs forum took place in Mumbai on 2 May 2005
and was chaired by Patrice Matsepe and Rattan Tata. The forum identified the
following areas of co-ordination:
* mining and minerals
* gems and jewellery
* power generation
* infrastructure development
* information and communication technology
* pharmaceuticals
* HIV/AIDS
* tourism
* working groups that are already in place:
- ICT
- energy
- infrastructure
- education and skills development
- mining
- auto components
- tourism

Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) and Joint
Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA)

In November 2005, Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine
Fraser-Moleketi undertook a visit to India to seek co-operation in promoting
AsgiSA objectives, particularly in the field of skills development. A team
tasked with identifying suitable Indian engineers, teachers and IT experts,
among others, accompanied the Minister. The initiative formed part of a larger
one looking at human resource development needs in South Africa and focussed on
mentoring programmes, training programmes, short-term exchange programmes and
secondment of experienced Indian civil servants to build management capacity
and transfer skills. In June 2006, this initiative was further enhanced by the
signing of a MoU on public services and administration matters.

We hope the practical implementation of this agreement will unfold
throughout the year.

We believe our relations with India have now taken a new upward phase.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

* Processes for the second round of elections are moving relatively
well.

* President Mbeki visited the DRC on 11 September to consult with the
political leadership including President Joseph Kabila and Vice President
Jean-Pierre Bemba. Discussions focused on the preparations for the second round
of the presidential elections scheduled for 29 October 2006.

* President Kabila and Vice President Bemba met on 13 September at a Cabinet
meeting. It is a positive development that the two leaders have met following
the August violent clashes between their forces. The Cabinet meeting was also
attended by the three other Vice Presidents.

* The DRC's Electoral Commission announced the provisional parliamentary
election results on 9 September 2006.

* According to the results, President Kabila's PPRD obtained 111 seats with
his coalition "Alliance for Presidential Majority" (AMP) obtaining 224 seats.
Vice President Bemba's coalition "Rally of Congolese Nationalists" (RENACO)
obtained just over 100 seats.

* According to the provisional electoral timetable, the National Assembly
should have had their first meeting on 19 September 2006. Noting that no party
or coalition won an outright majority in legislative elections, political
parties are probably consulting among themselves to form a majority in order to
elect a Prime Minister.

* The Supreme Court ruled on 15 September that the results of July's
historic presidential vote were valid and further ruled that the runoff
election can take place as scheduled on 29 October, despite the constitutional
provision that the elections should be held 15 days after the validation of
results.

* The court accepted a request from the DRC Electoral Commission for an
exemption from this constitutional requirement not to hold a second-round
elections 15 days after the validation of the first round results. The Supreme
Court explained that its decision was based on the fact that it would have been
impossible for the DRC Electoral Commission to distribute the electoral kits
and ballot papers in 15 days. A period of 50 days has now been granted.

* South Africa is printing the ballot papers for the presidential and
provincial elections in the DRC. According to the Independent Electoral
Commission (IEC), the printing of the ballot papers was expected to be
completed on 15 September 2006.

* The South African Defence Force (SANDF) has started with the delivery of
presidential and provincial ballot papers to the DRC for the 29 October 2006
elections. The first batch left South Africa on 16 September 2006 in accordance
with the distribution schedule. If the schedule is kept, the ballots should be
delivered to 14 hubs in the DRC by 2 October.

* Preparations for the second round of elections seem to be going according
to schedule.

* South Africa expects to deploy an inclusive observer team of about 100 -
120 people and will seek Cabinet approval for this deployment.

* Campaigning will take place between the 27 September and the 7 October
2006.

* Ambassador Swing has commended the Congolese authorities for their swift
action following the fire in Vice President Bemba's offices and the destruction
of his two television stations. He has said this should not serve as a pretext
for more acts of violence.

* The UN still has 18 000 personnel on the ground and South African forces
still play an invaluable role through MONUC and through bilateral co-operation
arrangements.

* South Africa will continue to support the processes in the DRC both
through the UN and bilaterally through the agreements in place through the
joint commission.

Burundi

* As you are aware Minister Nqakula has gone to the region to consult and
seek details on the implementation of the 7 September 2006 ceasefire agreement.
He will ascertain how the government of Burundi will accommodate the
Paliphehutu-FNL in the new arrangements.

* He will also discuss the commission to oversee the implementation of the 7
September agreement.

* He will also discuss how Burundians in exile, mainly Paliphehutu-FNL
forces will be able to return to Burundi and how they will be integrated into
society.

Côte d'Ivoire

* Not much has changed since we spoke last week.

* There is still the ongoing contention regarding the registration of voters
and the DDR process.

* President Gbagbo did not attend the summit held on the margins of the
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week.

* President Gbagbo is however reported to have said in an interview that the
UN and French peacekeepers in Côte d'Ivoire could leave the country if they
wished to: "I haven't asked them to, but I am thinking of an alternative
[peace] plan that I will propose to the African Union (AU)".

* At the end of October 2006, UN-backed peace plan drafted by the AU
expires. President Gbagbo said in an interview, that he peace process had
failed and that he had lost faith in the 10 000 French and UN peacekeepers
overseeing a ceasefire: "They haven't understood that this country is not
Liberia nor Somalia, that our institutions work the time for proposals and
negotiations is over. I have done everything they asked me to do and the rebels
have not disarmed."

* On Monday, 18 September 2006, China and Russia blocked proposed UN
sanctions against two of President Gbagbo's supporters, Mamadou Koulibaly
speaker of the National Assembly and Pascal Affi N'Guessan chairman of the
ruling Ivorian Popular Front.

* South Africa, as the facilitator, will continue to support the processes
where possible. The mediator had not played a very prominent role since the
international working group had been established but it is now clear that the
mediator must become more actively involved.

* It is clear that elections will not take place at the scheduled date.

* The International Working Group (IWG) met on 8 September 2006 and took
several decisions. The matter will be taken to the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC) and the AU Peace and SC will continue to meet to see how it can
support these processes.

* The toxic waste situation has become a grave problem. There are media
reports of the arrests of two French citizens. This also resulted in a Cabinet
reshuffle, Cabinet now consists of 36 members. The Ministers of Transport and
Environment have been replaced.

Sudan

* Jan Pronk, special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General
has said that the Darfur peace agreement ought to be in intensive care but is
not.

* UNSC Resolution 1706 adopted on 31 August 2006 made it clear that the
international community favoured the transition from the African Mission in
Sudan (AMIS) to a UN mission.

* Agreement on this matter was invited from the Government of Sudan. It is
clear that the government did not want such a transition to take place. In
fact, the government responded by saying this was only a pretext for
re-colonisation and that the proposal was unacceptable.

* The meeting in New York on the fringes of the UNGA agreed that the AMIS
mandate will be extended to 31 December 2006.

* Burkina Faso's President and current AU Peace and SC chairman announced
yesterday Wednesday, 21 September 2006; "There are a certain number of measures
that were agreed upon, such as reinforcing the African troops, but also to
strengthen the application of the Abuja agreement that was signed to bring all
the parties involved to implement its terms. Other measures include
straightening the border with the countries that are next to Sudan. Again all
this is [part of] efforts to strengthen the whole process".

Comparore said that the AU would handle the financing and support from
African countries, the Arab league states would commit to financing for troops
until the end of the mandate in December, while the UN would provide logistics
and material support.

"All the negotiations and all the contacts we had clearly indicate that they
[Sudan] are willing and disposed to work together with the UN."

* President Comparore said discussions on the matter would continue through
the African Union Peace and Security Council.

Middle East

* This matter continues to be of great concern to us.

* The Palestinian President announced the formation of the government of
National Unity based on the prisoners' document. Discussions are still ongoing
on the character of this government.

* We believe this means that all Palestinian groups have accepted the UN
resolutions, the Arab Plan of 2002 and the Oslo agreements which recognise the
need for a viable state of Palestine living alongside a state of Israel. The
United States (US) and European Union (EU) can now normalise relations and end
sanctions. We are pleased that the EU has said they are watching this matter
closely and will consider proceeding once the government of national unity has
been formed.

* Israeli prisoner - negotiations between Palestine and Israel brokered by
Egypt on the prisoner exchange are at an advanced stage. President Mubarak has
announced that a deal will be struck soon.

* President Abbas held discussions with the Israeli Foreign Minister at the
UNGA, this was a precursor to a meeting of both heads of state. Both sides
agreed that the meeting was constructive and that such meetings should
continue.

* President Abbas also met President Bush in New York yesterday.

* It is clear that the international community must now move decisively to
resolving this matter, i.e. we have to ensure that the Road Map is
implemented.

* There was also a meeting of the quartet in New York on Wednesday, 20
September 2006: the quartet stressed the urgent need to make progress towards a
just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and expressed its
concern at the grave crisis in Gaza.

* The quartet also said the formation of a government of national unity
would lead to early engagement.

* The quartet underlined the urgent need for the parties to implement fully
all aspects of the agreement on movement and access. Accordingly, Rafah and all
other passages should remain open, consistent with relevant agreements.

* The quartet encouraged greater donor support with a particular emphasis on
security-sector reform, reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and economic
development.

* The quartet reaffirmed its commitment to the road map as the means to
realise the goal of two democratic states – Israel and Palestine – living side
by side in peace and security.

* I believe the NAM statement on the Middle East has taken us forward, peace
and security for the people of the region must be achieved.

* We believe that the Arab Plan is the best possible plan since it
necessitates that Israel withdraw from all occupied territories, i.e.
Palestine, Lebanon and Syria and that Israel can live in peace with its
neighbours. However, no solution in the Middle East will be possible unless a
viable state of Palestine comes into being. We call on the Quartet to take more
aggressive steps in finalising this matter.

* A new dimension has been introduced in the Middle East, for the first time
in years there is an opportunity for a resolution to the crisis.

* President Abbas has called for the urgent convening of an international
conference to discuss the final arrangements. We support this call.

Lebanon

* The ceasefire in Lebanon is holding although the situation remains quite
fragile.

* There is now a new problem with which to deal: Israel has scattered at
least 350 000 unexploded cluster bomblets on south Lebanon. We now have a
situation where reconstruction efforts in Lebanon are being hampered by these
cluster bombs, the dropping of which is in contravention of international
law.

* David Shearer, the United Nations humanitarian co-ordinator in Lebanon,
said yesterday, "The outrageous fact is that nearly all of these munitions were
fired in the last three to four days of the war."

"Outrageous because by that stage the conflict has been largely resolved in
the form of the (UN Security Council) Resolution 1701."

Questions and answers

Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, could we have some clarification on the
African mission in Sudan, the AMIS has been extended to December 2006. Who will
finance this? To what extent are you satisfied that the AMIS will have a new
mandate seeing that the current one is rather weak? Will you be putting a
pressure on the government of Sudan to accept a UN Force?

Answer: In terms of the outcomes of the Arab League Ministerial meeting,
which supported the position of the government of Sudan, it was agreed that the
AMIS be given the requisite funding and other logistical support to carry out
it mandate.

The Arab States will support the AMIS until the end of its mandate. The AU
forces have done an excellent job despite the difficulties. We do hope that the
mandate will be redefined.

There is no other way than what is currently being done to discuss the
matter with the Sudanese government. We will continue to interact at all levels
to convince them that a UN force will not be an instrument to perpetuate other
agendas. The UN must also interact with the government of Sudan on this
matter.

We will also engage bilaterally with the government. President Mbeki did
hold bilateral discussions with President Bashir at the NAM Summit. This is now
an AU Peace and Security Council matter.

Question: Deputy Minister, what possible compromise is there, the government
has said they will not accept a UN Force?

Answer: We must seriously examine parts of the resolution about which they
have concerns, parts that suggest a contravention of territorial integrity and
sovereignty.

We must acknowledge that the failure to resolve the Darfur situation is
impacting negatively on the entire situation in Sudan.

Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, does the South African government believe
there is a basis for the objections from the Sudanese government? Are you
confident that funding from the Arab League will be forthcoming?

Answer: We are convinced that funding will be made available, whether it
will be sufficient remains to be seen once the pledges are taken into
account.

Discussions are ongoing with the Sudanese government about their objections
but these are very confidential.

Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, what is the response of the South African
government to the abuses against labour activists in Zimbabwe last week?

Answer: I have been out of the country and not briefed on this matter. I
will cover it next week.

Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, apparently Rev Frank Chikane is in Zimbabwe
– what is he doing there?

Answer: I did not know he was there. I will brief you on this next week. But
perhaps he is there in his capacity as a Reverend – he has a religious
constituency there.

Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, you mentioned defence co-operation between
South Africa and India, will the matter of the Denel investigation by the
Indian government be discussed?

Answer: This matter is under the line function of Minister Erwin and he has
visited India and held discussions with his counterparts on this matter. The
Indian investigation has not been concluded but I am certain we will have
further discussions in this regard. We would however want the matter to be
finalised as soon as possible. We would not want our overall relations with
India to be adversely affected because of this.

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
21 September 2006