Media Centre Union Buildings, Pretoria
8 November 2006
* Today Wednesday, 8 November 2006 the World Health Organisation (WHO)
nominated former Hong Kong health chief Margaret Chan as its nominee for
director-general of the agency. The WHO is a very important institution and we
congratulate Margaret Chan. I am confident she will continue to be seized with
African issues during her tenure at the WHO.
* Panama has been elected to the United Nations (UN) Security Council on the
48th ballot on Tuesday, 7 November 2006: 164 votes out of 192. The South
African (SA) government extends its congratulations to the government of
Panama.
* The 2006 Human Development report entitled, 'Beyond Scarcity: Power,
poverty and the global water crisis,' will be launched in Cape Town, South
Africa on Thursday, 9 November 2006. Notable addressees at the launch will
include President Thabo Mbeki, Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and
the Prince of Orange (Netherlands).
* Following the pronouncement by the Elections Authority in Nicaragua of the
outcome of the 2006 Presidential Elections for that country, the final vote
count confirmed Mr Daniel Ortega as having won the presidential race. The South
African Government congratulates President-elect, Daniel Ortega.
In expressing congratulatory remarks to the newly elected President of
Nicaragua, President Thabo Mbeki says of him "the election into high office of
Mr Ortega offers great possibilities for the Nicaraguan people and the
Sandinista Movement to engage in programmes that will push back the frontiers
of poverty and usher in development. We look forward to working together with
Mr Ortega and his government in facing up to the challenges of the multilateral
agenda, including the reform of the United Nations, trade talks and challenges
in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The White House said on Tuesday that it would work with Nicaragua
President-elect Daniel Ortega: "The United States is committed to the
Nicaraguan people. We will work with their leaders based on their commitment to
and actions in support of Nicaragua's democratic future," said national
security spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
Johndroe went on to emphasise that "the groundwork has been laid to allow
for increased prosperity and opportunity to the Nicaraguan people" through
channels like the United States of America (US)-Central American Free Trade
Agreement, US programmes to reward democratic and free market reforms, and debt
relief.
The international community must accept the will of the Nicaraguan people
and together work to resolve the serious underdevelopment and poverty in
Nicaragua.
* In the United States, Democrats will take control of the House of
Representatives for the first time since 1994, while control of the Senate
hangs in the balance � 49 seats on each side have been achieved.
Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) Summit
The Forum on China-Africa Co-operation was established with a view to
strengthening friendly co-operation between China and Africa. It developed into
a platform where Africa and China could jointly address the challenges of
economic globalisation and to promote common development.
The FOCAC in November 2006 was the first to be held at Summit level:
1�2 November 2006: Fifth Senior Officials' Meeting
3 November 2006: Third Ministerial Meeting
4�5 November 2006: Summit
The Summit adopted two outcome documents.
1. Declaration of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa
Co-operation
The Summit adopted a Declaration, which is a political statement of
co-operation and friendly relations between Africa and China. A major shift
from the Chinese side was to accept that Africa should have full participation
in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
2. Beijing Action Plan (2007-2009)
The Summit also adopted the Beijing Action Plan (2007-2009). The Action Plan
reflects what co-operation between Africa and China would entail for the
following three years. The highlights under each chapter for co-operation
are:
Political Co-operation
* Chinese and African leaders agreed to continue high-level visits and to
set up a mechanism of regular political dialogue between foreign ministers to
promote political co-operation.
* Resolved to expand co-operation in the United Nations, the World Trade
Organisation and other international and regional organisations.
* In order to promote mutual respect, deepen understanding and enhance
co-operation, the two sides will strengthen friendly contacts in various forms
between the National People's Congress of China and parliaments of African
countries, as well as the Pan-African Parliament.
* The two sides will promote exchanges and consultation between judiciaries,
police and other law enforcement authorities, improve their capability to
jointly prevent, investigate and combat crimes, enhance co-operation in legal
assistance, extradition and repatriation of criminal suspects and management of
emigrants, and work to resolve the issue of illegal migration through
consultation.
* The Chinese Government will continue to strengthen its co-operation with the
African Union (AU) and sub-regional organisations and institutions in Africa,
support the AU's leading role in resolving African issues, and take an active
part in UN peace-keeping operations in Africa.
Economic co-operation
* In the economic sphere, the two sides agreed to enhance co-operation in
areas ranging from agriculture, investment, trade, finance, infrastructure
construction, energy, natural resources, science and technology and
information.
* The two sides will give encouragement and support to their enterprises in
conducting joint exploration and rational exploitation of energy and other
resources based on the principle of mutual benefit and common
development.
* China and its African partners will improve information sharing and pragmatic
co-operation in these sectors to serve the long-term interests of both
sides.
* The Chinese will send 100 senior experts on agricultural technologies to
Africa to set up 10 demonstration centres.
* The two sides agreed to create favourable conditions to grow China-Africa
trade in a more balanced manner.
* China will increase from 190 to 440 the number of exports items eligible for
zero-tariff treatment from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to China.
Co-operation in International Affairs
* The two sides agreed that in reforming the UN Security Council, priority
should be given to increasing the representation of developing countries. The
two sides will also work to strengthen consultation and co-operation in
international affairs, serving the common interests of both sides and other
developing countries.
* China and Africa welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Council by
the United Nations.
* China and Africa will strengthen co-operation in countering terrorism and
promoting nuclear disarmament. China and Africa condemn and oppose terrorism in
whatever form and will explore methods of counter-terrorism co-operation.
* The two sides also agreed to strengthen co-operation to face up to
non-traditional security issues.
* By 2009 China will double the size of its assistance to Africa.
* China will provide US$3 billion in preferential loans and US$2 billion
preferential export buyer's credit to African countries.
* China will cancel government interest free loans that have become due in 2005
by Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) and LDCs in Africa with diplomatic
ties with China.
* China will train 15 000 professionals for African countries in the next three
years.
* China will set up 100 rural schools, increase the number of scholarships from
2 000 to 4 000 by 2009, build more Confucius Institutes in African countries to
meet the needs in Chinese language teaching.
* China will assist African countries to build 30 hospitals and provide grants
for anti-malarial drugs and send additional medical teams to Africa.
* China extended Approved Destination Status (ADS) to a further nine African
countries (Algeria, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Gabon, Rwanda, Mali, Mozambique,
Benin and Nigeria), bringing the total to 26 African countries with ADS
status.
* The next Ministerial FOCAC will take place in Egypt in 2009.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka to visit Ireland and Portugal
South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will pay an official
visit to Portugal and Ireland, scheduled from Sunday � Tuesday, 12-14 and
Tuesday - Thursday, 14-16 November 2006, respectively. Deputy President
Mlambo-Ngcuka will be hosted by her counterparts, Portuguese Prime Minister
Jose Socrates and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka's delegation will include Minister Naledi
Pandor and Deputy Ministers Aziz Pahad, Rob Davies, Ntombazana Botha and Roy
Padayachie.
The Deputy President will also be accompanied by a business delegation.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka's visit comes within the context of South
Africa's commitment to consolidate the African agenda, through among others,
North-South co-operation for improved market access and advancement of the
agenda of the South through the strengthening of relations with the European
Union (EU). In this regard, Portugal will assume the Chairmanship of the EU
from July to December 2007.
We also see this visit as very important since there is an active Portuguese
diaspora in South Africa and Portugal still has an active role with Portuguese
speaking African countries. This will be an opportunity to consolidate these
relations.
Portuguese Diaspora in South Africa
The Portuguese speaking community in South Africa consists of 100 000 � 300
000 people being involved in all aspects of the South African economy �
economically, socially and culturally.
The Irish Diaspora in South Africa
It is estimated that there are some 300 000 descendants of Irish immigrants
in South Africa. The Second Anglo-Boer War saw nearly 30 000 immigrants arrive
in South Africa, supporting the Boer Republics and the British Empire. The
Irish population was estimated to be 60 000 in 1900 with up to 1 500 Irish
immigrants a year arriving until 1905. This upsurge in Irish immigration was
however short-lived and the pattern since, has been limited.
The Irish have made an impressive contribution to all aspects of South
African life, especially in the ecclesiastical field where the humanitarian
work of Catholic organisations is well known. The Irish community is also
involved in the private sector and South African society as a whole.
Agenda of discussions
Issues on the agenda of discussions between Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka
and her counterparts are expected to include, among others:
* the status of bilateral political and economic relations between both
countries
* the status of South Africa � European Union relations following the
declaration of South Africa by the European Union as a Strategic Partner
* a briefing on developments on the African continent, including the outcomes
of the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and developments in
Burundi, Somalia, Sudan and C�te d'Ivoire
* a briefing on developments within the European Union
* other issues of mutual interest including South Africa's accession to the
Non-Permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council
* Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) and the
Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) will be overarching
issues in all discussions.
In Portugal Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka will be holding discussions with
President Cavaco Silva, the President of Parliament, Jaime Gama; and will
participate in a trade and investment seminar with Portuguese and South African
business persons.
The visit to Ireland will be at the highest level ever by a South African
Government representative. This will therefore be very important in
consolidating relations. Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka is expected to hold
discussions with the President of Ireland, Ms Mary McAleese; Prime Minister
Bertie Ahern; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Michael McDowell;
as well as with, Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern and Minister of State
Conor Lenihan.
As in Portugal, the main objective of the visit is to further co-operation
with Ireland on AsgiSA and JIPSA, including skills development; the placement
of SA graduates in companies in both countries; education co-operation;
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO); and Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT); tourism; Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME)
development; expanding South Africa's manufacturing base; as well as
co-operation in the agro-industry.
A secondary objective is to learn from the Irish economic experience of the
past two decades, during which Ireland was able to leapfrog from being one of
the poorest countries in the European Union to one of the richest. This will
include an examination of the role of EU structural funding in Portugal's and
Ireland's economic development. The structural funding mechanism is a very
important tool � this is when the private sector is unwilling to explore areas
of development and the EU then provides the budget for this to be done. We
would be very keen to understand how this tool works.
The Deputy President will participate in an Education Seminar that will
explore co-operation between South Africa and Ireland in various fields of
education, as well as in a seminar hosted by the South Africa-Ireland Business
Association and the South African Embassy in Dublin under the banner, "Economic
Prospects for South Africa and Ireland in the context of AsgiSA and JIPSA." The
latter seminar will focus on AsgiSA priority sectors such as BPO, ICT, the
agro-industry and tourism.
This is clearly an important visit and we hope relations will be
consolidated.
PORTUGAL
SA trade with Portugal
2005
Exports to Portugal: R915,677 million
Imports from Portugal: R640,970 million
2004
Exports to Portugal: R727,349 million
Imports from Portugal: R797, 746 million
2003
Exports to Portugal: R754,734 million
Imports from Portugal: R535,167 million
2002
Exports to Portugal: R1, 010,756 million
Imports from Portugal: R594,523 million
2001
Exports to Portugal: R673,930 million
Imports from Portugal: R450,601 million
Economic relations
The most important South African exports to Portugal are coal, steel
products, frozen fish, fresh fruit, fruit juices, vegetables, wood and granite.
According to the latest figures from the Portuguese Ministry of Economy, South
Africa is amongst the top 8 countries with the biggest growth of exports to
Portugal during 2005, mostly due to coal imports. South African exports to
Portugal increased by 25,7% [Source: Department of Trade and Industry (dti)]
during 2005, while the Portuguese economy only grew by 0,5 %.
South Africa's main imports from Portugal are wood, cork, paper, ceramics,
machinery, food, minerals, metal and chemicals. In 2005, Portuguese exports to
South Africa registered a 19,7% decrease (Source: dti).
Generally speaking, South African manufactured products are not competitive
in Portugal as similar products tend to be either locally manufactured or
imported from neighbouring EU countries at lower prices. Another negative
factor is the lack of direct shipping lines between South Africa and Portugal.
Energy and fuel products, of which Portugal has a shortage, off season fruits
and quality frozen fish, are the main import products from South Africa.
Tourism
In 2004, 28 966 Portuguese citizens visited South Africa in comparison to 28
920 in 2003. During 2005, 29 846 Portuguese travelled to South Africa, a 3%
increase when compared to 2004 (Source: South African Tourism).
According to Portuguese official data, the number of South African tourists
to Portugal grew from 26 338 in 2003 to 34 363 in 2004.
South Africa is an attractive but expensive destination to most Portuguese,
especially due to the lack of direct flights. In general, flight packages are
scarce and expensive to most Portuguese. TAP (Portuguese Airlines) is the only
carrier with direct flights (4 per week) between Portugal and South Africa
(after SAA decided to discontinue this route during the early eighties). The
lack of charter flights is also contributing to the increase in the costs of
flights connections between the 2 countries.
Portuguese visitors prefer beach and adventure holidays. South Africa has a
lot to offer in terms of safari and ecotourism to the Portuguese tourist.
Mpumalanga (Kruger National Park) and Western Cape (Cape Town) are the most
visited provinces; Mpumalanga, due to its wildlife and proximity to Mozambique,
while the Cape is preferred due to the cultural links and Portuguese heritage
in the region (Cape Peninsula).
There are two main operators promoting South Africa in Portugal: James Rawes
and NovoTours. The biggest tour operator in Portugal, ES Viagens, expressed
interest to market South Africa as a destination of choice until the 2010 World
Cup.
The Mission participates in the BTL Tourism fair (the most relevant tourism
promotion event which takes place yearly in January) in order to raise the
profile of South African tourism in Portugal. The stand is a joint venture
between the Mission and several South African tourism partners.
The Mission has also initiated regular and dynamic contacts with media and
relevant stakeholders in order to develop a network of strategic partners,
essential for the development of projects for the promotion of South Africa as
a major tourism destination in Portugal.
Investment
South African investment in Portugal
The largest South African company operating in Portugal is the Abadare
Cables subsidiary, Alcobre that manufactures cables for the telecommunications
industry. The SA property company, Homenet, has an office in Lisbon. SmartPac,
a "smart card" company has an agreement with the local company Prism, while the
South African company Netcare established a partnership with the Portuguese
private health care company, Private Hospitals of Portugal (HPP) on 2 August
2004. In addition there are also a number of ostrich breeding companies who
have strong Southern African connections as well as various small importing and
exporting companies especially in the linen and curtaining industry. Tsumeb
(electronic protection systems and integrated network security solutions) is
manufacturing in Aveiro, in the north of Portugal. Carrol Boyes opened its
first European shop in Portugal (Cascais) during June 2005.
Portuguese investment in South Africa
Sonae
Sonae group owned by Mr Belmiro de Azevedo, the richest man in Portugal, is
the biggest private group in Portugal in the non-financial sector. The group
has interest in different sectors such as telecoms, distribution, retail, real
estate, tourism, media, and industry (wood products). The combined assets of
Sonae Holding on 30 June 2005 amounted to Euro 8,8 billion.
Sonae bought Sappi-Novoboard (TAFISA) wood company in 2004 and it now has
three factories in South Africa (White River, Panbult and George) as well as
five commercial offices located in Rosebank, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth
and Bloemfontein. Sappi-Novoboard currently holds 45% of the South African wood
market which will be further increased through an investment of Euro 45 million
in the company.
Sonae's international investments include those in other countries such as
Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom (UK).
Amorim
Amorim group is Portugal's biggest producer and exporter of cork which also
has investments in real estate, tourism and energy sectors. It has branches in
most European countries (Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Republic of
Moldova, and Bulgaria, amongst others), north and South America, Australia,
China. It is also present in South Africa through Amorim Cork South Africa Pty,
which was established 25 years ago.
Cimpor
Since 2002, Cimpor, which is the biggest Portuguese cement company, is also
present in the SA market through Natal Portland Cement Company in
KwaZulu-Natal. With three factories (in Simuma, Durban and Newcastle), it
produces 1 million tons per year and has an 11% market share. In 2005 Cimpor
started an US$80 million investment programme over 2 years, aiming to increase
its production by 600 thousand tons, up to 1,6 million tons per year.
Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD)
The biggest Portuguese bank (state-owned) invested in South Africa in the
form of the Mercantile Bank. Mercantile has fourteen branches providing a full
range of domestic and international services, as well as specialised financing
and investment facilities.
Banif
Banif Bank is part of Rentipar Group which is responsible for handling Mr
Horacio Roque's investments in Portugal. Although operating mainly in Portugal,
the Horacio Roque Group is present in other countries, such as the United
States of America, Canada, Brazil, Venezuela, South Africa, the Bermudas and
the Cayman Islands.
Rentipar has a Banif bank branch in Bruma (finance house) and owns the
biggest South African Portuguese newspaper O Seculo de Joanesburgo, amongst
other investments in South Africa.
Bpi
The Portuguese Investment Bank is the fourth largest financial group in
Portugal, a leader in stock exchange, corporate finance and private banking
with a branch in Johannesburg.
Banco Privado (BPP)
BPP, a privately owned Portuguese Bank, reputed to have affluent Portuguese
citizens as its clients, opened a branch in Johannesburg in 2002.
SA investment in Portugal (10� EUR)
2003: 791
2002: 516
2001: 2,060
Portuguese investment in SA (10� EUR)
2003: 3,963
2002: 9,645
2001: 3,378
Most Portuguese investment in Africa is primarily directed to the Palop
countries (African Portuguese speaking countries), in line with Portuguese
foreign policy.
Ireland
Economic relations
Trade and investment
SA Exports to Ireland: R1,122,108,000 (1,2 billion Rands) (2005)
SA Imports from Ireland: R4,072,400 (4,07 billion Rands) (2005)
The trade balance has traditionally been very much skewed in Ireland's
favour (by a ratio of 3:1). However, this gap has been narrowing in recent
years, and the outlook for South African exports is positive. Exports to
Ireland have grown steadily in the last four years, from EUR100 million in 2001
to almost EUR160 million at the end of 2005. In 2005, Ireland was South
Africa's 41st biggest export market. According to figures from the Embassy in
Dublin, imports from Ireland have grown negatively over this period, from
EUR400 million in 2001 to just EUR250 million in 2005.
Furniture appears to be South Africa's largest export to Ireland (27%). This
is a new development. Twenty-six percent of exports to Ireland are made up of
fertilisers and minerals. Sixteen percent is accounted for by coal, coke and
briquettes, while fruit and vegetables account for about 11%. Nine percent of
exports are made up of beverages.
Imports to South Africa are dominated by "office machinery & automatic
data processing machines." This can be explained by the presence of large
multinational computer hardware manufacturing companies in Ireland such as
Hewlett Packard, Dell and IBM. Thirteen percent of exports are medical and
pharmaceuticals products, which is not surprising, given the number of
multinational pharmaceutical firms located in Ireland.
Since 1999 Irish firms have, made several significant investments in South
Africa, across a variety of sectors. Among the better known, Irish
entrepreneur, Dr Tony O'Reilly, and Irish Independent Newspapers, have taken
over the Argus newspaper group. Irish investors (in particular Nial Mellon)
have invested heavily in property in Cape Town. Howard Holdings has purchased
eight historic buildings in the centre of Cape Town, which they are converting
into a 6 star hotel, conference centre and luxury apartments.
Some of the larger projects are outlined below:
Date: June 1999
Company: Fyffes
Value (Rm): 360
US$ Value(m): 59
Economic Sector: Non Cyclical Consumer Goods
Industrial Sector: Food Producers and Processors
Sub Sector: Farming and Fishing
Date: June 1999
Company: Independent Newspapers Ireland
Value (Rm): 300
US$ Value(m): 48
Economic Sector: Cyclical Services
Industrial Sector: Media and Photography
Sub Sector: Media and Photography
Date: May 2002
Company: Ulster Carpets
Value (Rm): 35
US$ Value(m): 3
Economic Sector: Cyclical Consumer Goods
Industrial Sector: Household Goods and Textiles
Sub Sector: Furnishings and Floor Coverings
Date: March 2004
Company: Tullow Oil Plc
Value (Rm): 3,325
US$ Value(m): 500
Economic Sector: Resources
Industrial Sector: Oil and Gas
Sub Sector: Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
Date: June 2004
Company: Eurocape Investments
Value (Rm): 500
US$ Value(m): 78
Economic Sector: Financials
Industrial Sector: Real Estate
Sub Sector: Real Estate Holding and Development
Date: January 2005
Company:
Queally Group
Value (Rm): 500
US$ Value (m): 78
Sub Sector: Meat Processing
Traditional areas of concern for prospective investors have dissipated
within the last two to three years. Issues such as crime and political
instability are no longer the primary concerns of investors seeking to engage
in business in South Africa. Rather, companies are more interested in the
practicalities of locating an operation in the country; like banking services,
legalities of engaging in business and the economic forecast.
South African businesses are beginning to identify Ireland as an ideal
platform for access into Europe, as it is the only English-speaking country
within the "Eurozone" (countries trading in the Euro currency). De Beers
Industrial Diamonds runs the largest industrial diamonds processing facility in
Europe in the Shannon Free Zone, employing 540 people. PJ Carrol is 60% South
African owned. A number of South African financial companies like Old Mutual
and Investec have offices in Ireland.
Imports of Irish beef have been banned in South Africa since late 2000
because of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy/mad cow disease). A delegation
from Agriculture is expected to visit Ireland shortly to look at re-opening the
market following strong Irish lobbying.
Tourism
Recent years have seen unprecedented growth in tourism to South Africa from
Ireland. About 30 000 tourists travelled to South Africa in 2002/03, up 33%
from the previous year. This trend continued into 2004 with latest statistics
showing an increase of 43% in tourist arrivals from Ireland over the last two
years. Figures for March 2005 show that Ireland was the 8th largest provider of
overseas tourists in that month. In addition, studies have shown that Irish
tourists travelling to South Africa spend an average of four times more than
visitors from other markets, such as the UK. South Africa was voted Ireland's
favourite long-haul destination at the Irish Travel Trade Awards held during
the Holiday Experience in Dublin in 2004.
Ireland has received much attention in the local tourist press of late, a
direct result of a drive by the Irish Embassy and Tourism Ireland to target the
SA market.
Development Co-operation
Ireland's development assistance to South Africa amounts to roughly 11
million Euro annually. Limpopo Province is the main beneficiary. It is mainly
focused on five areas: education, where the assistance is mainly channelled
into capacity building; health, where the Free State and Limpopo Provinces both
are beneficiaries, HIV/AIDS; water supply and sanitation, and good governance,
democracy and human rights. Ireland recently decided to extend its programme to
2014.
Since coming to power, the current government has trebled Overseas
Development Assistance (ODA) to around EUR545 million, making Ireland the
world's 8th largest contributor (0,41%). Eighty-five percent of bilateral Irish
country assistance is spent in Africa.
A survey by Action Aid International found that Ireland was one of the few
donors whose aid is totally "untied." Only three other countries gave
completely untied aid - the UK, Norway and Sweden - whereas 70 percent of US
and 92 percent of Italian aid was "tied."
The main elements of Ireland's ODA allocation are as follows:
Programme countries:
* Uganda EUR32 million
* Ethiopia EUR30 million
* Mozambique EUR29 million
* Tanzania EUR25 million
* Zambia EUR18 million
* Lesotho EUR9,85 million
* Timor Leste EUR3,7 million
* Vietnam EUR3 million.
Other countries:
* South Africa EUR10,4 million
* Palestinian Territories EUR2,35 million
* Sierra Leone and Liberia EUR4 million
* Central America EUR3,5 million.
Other allocations include more than EUR100 million in "support for civil
society" such as EUR46,2 million in grants to five leading Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs) and 12 million for support to missionaries through the
Irish Missionary Resource Service.
A total of EUR47 million is allocated in funding for UN development
agencies.
Ireland missed a self-imposed deadline to meet the 0,7% ODA/Gross National
Income (GNI) target by 2007. Prime Minister Ahern announced at the Millennium
+5 Summit in New York that Ireland will reach the 0,7% target by 2012.
Minister Dlamini Zuma's visit to Brussels
* Minister Dlamini Zuma will depart on Saturday, 11 November 2006 for
Brussels where she will lead the South African delegation to the 7th session of
the Joint Commission on Co-operation between South Africa and Belgium.
* Outside of the Strategic Partnership we have with the EU we also have this
annual forum with Belgium.
* Issues on the agenda of discussions are expected to include:
- trade co-operation
- development co-operation
- research and technological co-operation
- SA-EU relations
- the Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)-EU relations
- the EU strategy for Africa
- the EU-Africa Summit � as you know this has not met for some time due to
differences over Zimbabwe
- African conflict areas
- global issues including the UN Security Council, the Middle East, Migration,
the World Trade Organisation (WTO)/Doha negotiations.
* These are some of the similar issues we will discuss with the Deputy
President in Portugal and Ireland and it will be interesting to have the
perspectives of all these countries.
Cote d'Ivoire
* UN Resolution 1721 (2006) on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire that was
adopted by the Security Council on 1 November 2006 � original draft resolution
did not fully conform with the AU Peace and Security Council resolution and
therefore there was much debate.
* France has circulated a draft resolution on the future of the
transition.
* The initial French draft was perceived by many members of the Security
Council as being unbalanced. The text had not adequately addressed the
obligations of both sides to the conflict. The initial draft for example called
on the militias to disarm but was silent about the immediate resumption of
disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration by the Forces Nouvelles
(FN).
* The initial draft also stated that the Council "affirms that international
instruments that set out the special arrangements for the transition period, in
particular the Security Council resolutions based on the Economic Community of
West Africa (ECOWAS) and AU decisions and recommendations, shall take
precedence where there may be a divergence with the Ivorian Constitution and
national laws." The powers granted to the Prime Minister in the French draft
were much greater than those granted in the AU or ECOWAS communique.
* The Communique of the 64th AU Peace and Security Council Meeting carefully
delineated the functions of the Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire and the Council
of Ministers without contravening the Constitution of Cote d'Ivoire.
Also that the sovereign constitutional powers of a Member State should not be
amended.
Further, the appointment of civilian and military officials is a constitutional
prerogative and was not a function delegated to the Prime Minister by the AU.
The Communique further stated that "in the accomplishment of the mission of the
Government, the Council of Ministers may, in all matters, take decisions by
ordinances or decree."
The AU Peace and Security Council stated that "the Prime Minister shall also
have the necessary authority over all the integrated Ivorian defence and
security forces to enable him to carry out the tasks assigned to him."
The Prime Minister was granted the necessary authority over "all the integrated
Ivorian defence and security forces" because the African Union wanted to make
sure that all the forces on the ground worked together in support of this
mandate.
* Council members such as China, Russia, the US, and Tanzania argued that the
French draft did not accurately reflect the intervention of the AU Communique
and threatened the sovereignty of a member state of the UN. These countries
threatened to abstain.
* After extensive discussions, the Council was able to agree on a compromise.
On 1 November 2006 the Council unanimously adopted the text as resolution 1721
(2006).
* The Resolution endorses the AU Peace and Security Council decision and
extends the transitional period and the mandates of both the President and the
Prime Minister for an additional year until 31 October 2007. The extension
would be for a final transition period.
* The Secretary-General, in his last report to the Council on this issue, had
stated that the Council should make it clear to the Ivorians that the envisaged
further extension of the transition should be the last and if elections are not
held within the new extended period, ECOWAS and the AU and the Security
Council, should consider putting in place a transitional governance arrangement
comprising of civil society, to prepare for elections.
* The resolution further states that no Ivorian party should invoke any legal
provision to impede the peace process. This language was utilised as a
compromise to the initial text which stipulated that the resolution would take
precedence over the constitution.
* The resolution noted that the Prime Minister shall have a mandate to
implement all provisions of the roadmap drawn up by the International Working
Group, in particular to carry out: disarmament, demobilisation and
reintegration; identification of population and registration of voters;
dismantling of militias; restoration of State authority; technical preparations
for elections; and the restructuring of the Armed Forces.
* It also stated that, in order, for the Prime Minister to carry out these
tasks, he should have all the necessary powers and all appropriate financial,
material and human resources, as well as full and unfettered authority
consistent with the recommendations of ECOWAS, and must be empowered to take
all necessary decisions, in all matters, within the Council of Ministers or the
Council of Government, including the necessary authority over the Defence and
Security Forces.
Reactions to the Resolution
The Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire (PDCI):
* The PDCI has congratulated the Secretary-General and France for their
clear vision and steady efforts that resulted in the adoption of resolution
1721.
* The PDCI reaffirms its commitment to the resolution and to the successful
implementation thereof.
* The PDCI regrets the fact that the President Gbagbo's term of office has been
extended.
* President Gbagbo's attempts to sabotage the new resolution through his
provocative speech of 2 November 2006.
The Forces Nouvelles
* The FN has taken note of the adoption of UN Resolution 1721.
* The issue of the integrated Army staff that should lead to the restructuring
merging of the two armies.
* The issuance of the nationality certificates together with the birth
certificates in order to enable a general census of the population.
* Meanwhile, the FN indicated that it will be part of the transitional process
as defined by the UN Resolution 1721.
* The FN will continue to fight for free, democratic, and transparent elections
in Cote d'Ivoire
* They will also make sure that the resolution is implemented.
The Rally of the Republicans (RDR)
* The RDR noted that resolution 1721 is a sign of the International
Community's willingness to boost the peace process.
* The RDR pays tribute to Mr Kofi Annan and President Chirac for their
commitment and involvement in the peaceful resolution.
* The firm notice by the UNSC of the end of President Gbagbo's term of office
since 30 October 2005.
* The additional powers given to the Prime Minister who can now rule by decrees
or ordinances taken during the Council of Ministers or the Government
Council.
* The authorisation given to the Prime Minister to re-launch the audience
foraine by issuing the national certificates in situ.
* The strengthening of the role of the UN High Representative for elections who
has been given the sole mandate as the only authority to assess the electoral
process.
* The RDR has expressed disagreement on the retention of President Gbagbo.
The Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire (PDCI)-RDA
* The PDCI-RDA calls the UN resolution a "still-born resolution" adding that
"it's going to be another 12 months of hell for the Ivorians."
* Adama Bictongo (Political advisor to the Prime Minister):
- He said President Gbagbo's speech to the nation is in total opposite to the
resolution of the UN Security Council.
- the Prime Minister should sign the decrees and Gbagbo opposing it.
- Prime Minister is due to make a speech this week.
* Bridgette Giradin (French Minister of Co-operation):
- welcomes the UNSC resolution.
* The Ivorian Popular Front (FPI)
- The FPI is happy with the resolution and indicated that the Constitution is
sill in force, as China, Russia and the US foiled France's plot.
* President Gbagbo's speech of 2 November 2006
- live television broadcast
- Resolution 1721 is the 19th of its kind taken by our universal organisation
to resolve the crisis we have been confronted with since 19 September
2002
- brilliant victory of Cote d'Ivoire and that of all African states
- in its draft resolution, there was a grave assertion according to which "the
decisions of the UN Security Council prevailed over the Ivorian Constitution
and the Legislation of the Country."
- this proposal raised, two main questions:
* the sovereignty of independent African States, and the equality of these
States with other States of the world
- the member countries of the UN Security Council have firmly rejected any
possibility of subordination of the Constitution of a State, no matter which
one, to a decision of an international organisation
- they confirmed their position by deleting this proposal from the present
resolution
- therefore our constitution can and will be implemented
- another debate was that regarding the possibility of the Prime Minister to
appoint high level civilian and military officials
- the draft: "The Prime Minister must have all the necessary powers including
appointing civilian and military officials." The resolution has also ended this
debate
- the Prime Minister shall have no power to appoint civilian and military
officials
- all the provisions in the text of the resolution which violate the
Constitution of Cote d'Ivoire will not be implemented
- thousands of resolutions can be taken, but they cannot be successfully
implemented if we refuse peace. I therefore invite all of you to gather around
our Constitution and the Institutions on which our Nation stands
- refrain from any demonstration
- I have given firm instructions to the police to maintain public order in
Abidjan and on the national territory with the help of the gendarmerie
- I also took a decree authorising the army to assist them
- I call on you, all Ivorians, to mobilise around our Constitution and our
Institutions.
We must ensure that there is a common interpretation of the resolution,
failure to do will result in serious problems.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Update
* I am pleased to say the second round of voting has gone well.
* As of 7 November 2006, 84,5% of the presidential results had been captured.
Only 26,7% of the provincial results had been captured. President Kabila was
said to be leading by 60% to Vice President Bemba's 40%. I believe that we
should not speculate on the outcomes of the elections. We should await the
final pronouncement by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
* The two presidential candidates, President Kabala and Vice President Bemba
met on 7 November to discuss how they would co-operate post election.
* The two leaders recommitted themselves to peaceful process and called on
their supporters to remain calm and accept the outcome of the elections.
* Meanwhile, the USA government, which had also congratulated the Congolese
people for conducting a successful election, issued an Executive Order on 31
October 2006.
* The Order, issued by President Bush to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President of the Senate, is against seven individuals
who belong to the militia groups currently roaming the East of the DRC and thus
accused of perpetuating both the conflict in the country and a climate of
insecurity throughout the entire Great Lakes region.
* The Order effectively blocks the property and interests in the US of the
seven persons identified. The seven include General Nkunda (mentioned above)
and other elements from the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR),
among others.
The Presidential Statement of the Security Council dated 7 November 2006
We are happy that the Security Council has welcomed the elections.
In a statement: The Security Council pays tribute to the sense of civic
responsibility once again demonstrated by the people of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo, who participated peacefully and in large numbers in the
provincial elections and the second round of the presidential election held on
29 October 2006.
"The Security Council takes note of the fact that voting generally took
place in an orderly and safe atmosphere. It deplores the isolated incidents
that occurred, notably in Bumba and Bikoro in Equateur province and in Fataki
in Ituri district."
"The Security Council attaches great importance to the signing of a
declaration of post-electoral intent by the representatives of the two
candidates in the second round of the presidential election, on 29 October in
Kinshasa. It emphasises that political differences must be settled by peaceful
means only and calls on the parties to comply with all the confidence-building
measures to which they agreed after the incidents of 20 to 22 August 2006."
"The Security Council recalls that these elections are historic. It stresses
that the new authorities and all Congolese political actors will be responsible
for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the restoration of peace and
stability and for continuing to promote national reconciliation and the
establishment of democratic institutions and the rule of law in the
country."
It is our hope that the UN will extend the mandate of United Nations Mission
in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), in the DRC. We cannot leave
unattended and without support a situation that is fragile. We also hope the
international community in general and the UN in particular with continue to
remain seized with this matter.
Joint Statement, 2 November 2006
At the invitation of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, the following international missions:
- Carter Center
- Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
- Communaute economique des Etats de l'Afrique centrale (CEEAC)
- Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA)
- Mission d'observation electorale de l'Union europeenne (MOEUE)
- Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
- Southern African Development Community - Parliamentary Forum (SADC/PF)
- African Union (AU)
have participated in the observation of the second round of the presidential
elections, and the provincial elections, on 29 October 2006.
The international observers note with satisfaction that the voting and
counting operations took place on the whole in a calm and peaceful manner. They
deplore, however, the serious but isolated incidents which have taken place in
Equateur province and in Ituri, causing the deaths of several people.
The international missions appreciate the corrective measures taken by the
Independent Electoral Commission to strengthen the capacity of election
workers. Measures have resulted in a remarkable improvement to the election
operations.
They deplore the excessively partisan and negative role of many of the media
during the election campaign, and call on them to assume their responsibilities
during this sensitive and crucial period of the transition process.
The missions recommend to the CEI that the publication of results be
immediately broken down by polling station, as a measure of transparency
necessary to the credibility of the electoral process.
The international missions remind the two presidential candidates of the
commitments they have signed, and invite them, in case of electoral complaints,
to make use of the legal channels for appeal. Finally, they remind them of
their responsibility for the actions and words of their followers.
Kinshasa, 2 November 2006
Middle East
This is a situation that continues to be of great concern to us. The
increase in violence is threatening regional peace and security.
The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in its recent report
states that between July and the end of September 2006 Gaza sustained 5 300
artillery shells and more than 292 air strikes resulting in the death of 298
Palestinians, 49 of them children.
Two Israelis were killed and 28 injured from 424 home made rockets fired
into Israel.
In the last week this already unacceptable Israeli aggression has been
escalated under the Autumn Clouds Operation. Israeli forces have launched a
massive air and ground offensive against the Gaza town of Beit Hanoun.
This morning the Israeli shells hit a residential area killing 18 people,
many women and children. This brings the total number of dead to about 70,
hundreds injured and homes and infrastructure destroyed.
This atrocity is in violation of international law and the Geneva Convention
and the South African government condemns it.
Significant damage to roads and houses, destroyed phone and electricity
lines and shortage of food and water.
Israeli forces were still present in other parts of Gaza.
We have seen an extra-ordinary number of children killed in the last five
days, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Dan
Rohrman said. "There are tanks everywhere, shelling, house demolitions and
fighting on the streets. People are getting quite desperate. The children are
terrified by everything going on, including seeing family members being taken
away."
This morning Israeli shelling killed 18 civilians bringing the death toll in
this one town to about 70, hundreds of injured and total destruction of all
infrastructure and property. This latest killing of 18 civilians has shocked
the international community and Israel must understand that such killings
cannot continue with impunity.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has asked the Security Council to
intervene and bring an end to the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict in
the Gaza Strip, pushing for a ceasefire and requesting the presence of United
Nations observers on the Gaza-Israel border, correspondents were told today at
a Headquarters press conference. No movement on this call.
Dr Saeb Erekat, the Head of the Negotiations Affairs Department of the
Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), in a letter to the South African
government said
"I find the indifference and the silence of the international community
regarding the atrocities perpetrated in the Gaza Strip to be particularly
worrisome, in view of the scale of the Israeli aggression. In the interest of
peace and security for both peoples, I urge you to condemn the Israeli
non-compliance with international law, and upholding the responsibility of
protecting innocent civilians."
The South African government further reiterated that the failure of the
Security Council to act timeously and decisively when so many women and
children are being killed only serves to weaken their credibility and
confidence in the Security Council.
President Abbas held a press conference this morning. He called on
Palestinians to consolidate their unity and asked the Arab League to meet
immediately and called on the international community to put pressure on
Israel.
He said Israel did not want peace and security and should bear the
responsibility.
He also declared the town of Beit Hanoun a disaster area.
A draft resolution adopted unanimously by the Council of Arab Ambassadors
would be introduced for a vote in the Special Political and Decolonisation
Committee in the General Assembly.
The Palestinian Ambassador to the UN said that Israel claims that weapons
smuggling was continuing from Egypt to Gaza; he said those claims "were a
pretext and not a serious position." He said both sides needed to engage in
political negotiations to find an end to the conflict. "The situation is not
better for Israel or Gaza," he insisted. "Only through negotiation can we get
into a new situation."
South Africa urges the international community to accept its responsibility
and demand that Israel stop its aggression.
Agreement on formation of a national unity government, political platform;
Haniyeh will not be unity Prime Minister
A Hamas legislator confirmed that Hamas and Fatah have reached an agreement
on forming a unity government, with Haniyeh not being the Prime Minister.
Deputy Yihya Mousa, a senior Hamas official said that the political platform of
the new government has been agreed upon and that Hamas has also agreed on
Haniyeh not being the new Prime Minister. Mousa added that the new Prime
Minister has been chosen and he will be named to President Abbas. Mousa
informed that a joint committee would be formed to allocate ministerial
portfolios and add the final touches to the details.
Every time there is progress in forming a Government of National Unity (GNU)
Israel intensifies its aggression, endangering progress made. Prime Minister
Haniyeh today called for the suspension of talks to form a unity government in
the wake of the Israeli shelling and a three day mourning period has been
called.
We fully agree with the European Union's presidency that Israel ought not to
have used excessive power for self defence against Palestinian activists,
slamming the increasing number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.
The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) accused Israel of war crimes
today and urged the Security Council to take urgent measures.
We urge the Palestinian people not to be diverted from their objectives of
forming a GNU, by the provocative military action against them and to set up a
GNU urgently.
Failure to do so will not be in the interest of the Palestinian people.
We also urge the Palestinians, to stop firing rockets into Israel. This only
results in excessive retaliation.
The new Israeli Knesset member Avigdor Liberman yesterday warned that both
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and the Minister of Interior Saed Seyam may be
targeted if Shalit's life was put to jeopardy. It is unacceptable that a
Minister so publicly and blatantly is propagating extra-judicial killings.
The latest UN report indicates that 87% of Gaza and 56% of the West Bank
residents live below the official poverty datum line.
In the West Bank commerce has been reduced to a trickle by the barrier under
Jerusalem, the tri-sections of the West Bank and the draconian permit regime.
Travel to and from Jerusalem was impossible.
Report of the Secretary-General on 19 October 2006: Illegal Israeli actions
in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied Palestinian
Territory
The International Court of Justice had concluded that by the construction of
the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Israel had violated various
international law obligations incumbent upon it and that since the construction
of the wall entailed the requisition and destruction of homes, businesses and
agricultural holdings, "Israel has the obligation to make reparation for the
damage caused to all the natural and legal persons concerned". In paragraph 153
of its opinion, the Court said:
"Israel is accordingly under an obligation to return the land, orchards,
olive groves and other immovable property seized from any natural or legal
person for purposes of construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian
Territory. In the event that such restitution should prove to be materially
impossible, Israel has an obligation to compensate the persons in question for
the damage suffered. The Court considers that Israel also has an obligation to
compensate, in accordance with the applicable rules of international law, all
natural or legal persons having suffered any form of material damage as a
result of the wall's construction."
United Nations Register of Damage caused by the Construction of the Wall in
the Occupied Palestinian Territory would thus have to be set up that would be
responsible for establishing and maintaining the Register of Damage.
Proposed to establish the office of the Register of Damage in the site of
the United Nations Office at Vienna.
It is in the interests of both the people of Israel and Palestine that we
achieve the 2-state solution with a secure state of Palestine and Israel living
side-by-side within secure borders. Increasingly this seems hopeless. But we
must remain committed to achieving this reality.
The time has come for the international community to act decisively in this
conflict.
Questions and answers
Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, regarding Cote d'Ivoire � is there any
chance that South Africa will return to the role of mediator? In the absence of
South Africa's mediation who is now mediating in this situation?
Answer: In terms of the AU Peace and Security Council Resolution the mediation
will now be led by the Chair of the African Union, presently Congo-Brazzaville.
He will work with the AU Commission and can call on any party when necessary to
assist in resolving the problem. South Africa will endeavour to, when it
assumes its seat in the Security Council on 1 January 2007 to ensure there is a
common interpretation in the Council on how the UN can move the process
forward. We must also try to ensure that elections are held. The two
outstanding issues remain:
* the Demobilisation, Disintegration and Reintegration (DDR) Process
* fast tracking the identification and registration of voters.
All efforts must now be directed at moving on these issues.
Question: Deputy Minister, is it your assessment that the alliances built by
President Kabila have held?
Answer: I think I would like to reserve my comments until after the results
have been announced. Yesterday�s meeting was a very positive step. All parties
in the DRC must work together in the common interests of the people of the
DRC.
Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, you mentioned the call to the UN to extend
MONUC's mandate. What is your view on the decision by the European Union Force
(EUFor) to withdraw from the DRC on 30 November 2006?
Answer: We would urge the EUFor not to leave the DRC prematurely � premature
action can set the conditions for the situation to relapse � the situation then
requires additional financial and human resources to resolve. Post conflict
reconstruction and development is very important � the DRC is one of the
richest country's in Africa if not further afield. If the international
community can contribute positively to this situation we can see the people of
the DRC using their own resources to help themselves.
Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, you said it is now time for the Security
Council to act decisively on the situation in the Middle East � what do you
mean by that?
Answer: The Security Council has a responsibility to deal with threats to
international peace and security. The Security Council has been seized with
this matter for more than 40 years � how will it account to the world for its
inability to resolve this matter. The Security Council must also discuss with
the Quartet how to reinstitute the Roadmap. If we fail to give people hope,
people in the region will believe that they have no other recourse but to
engage in more violence and counter violence. We respect a country's right to
protect itself, but there can be no justification for the over excessive
actions of the Israeli government. All violence in the region must stop � it is
not helping the situation. Matters are also becoming too polarized � the OIC
this morning called the actions of the Israeli government "crimes against
humanity." I believe we are reaching the point of no return in the region and
the international community must act decisively and urgently in terms of its
various resolutions.
Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, are there any efforts by the South African
government to intervene in the situation in Zimbabwe?
Answer: Zimbabwe is now being handled by the SADC Troika � the Troika is
scheduled to, in line with a decision from the SADC Summit, visit Zimbabwe.
Their assessment, recommendations and findings will determine the way
forward.
There is no initiative that is underway by the South African government.
Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, what is the government's position on the
sentence awarded to Saddam Hussein?
Answer: As a government, and in line with many of the statements from European
countries, we are opposed to the death penalty. This was a decision taken in an
Iraqi court and we respect this decision. The situation in Iraq is becoming
catastrophic. The deaths on a daily basis are not acceptable. Civilians are
worse off now than ever before. The international community must see how it can
assist this situation. The sectarian war that is currently underway is totally
out of control. It has been estimated that nearly one million people have been
killed, hundreds of thousands injured and massive damage to property and
infrastructure. The deaths and casualties of US troops is way beyond anything
before contemplated. There are also too many South Africans who are
unofficially in Iraq engaged in security services. The sentencing of Saddam
Hussein is only one matter in a very dangerous, chaotic and volatile
situation.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
8 November 2006
