M Lekota: Monitoring and Evaluation media briefing August 2007

29 August 2007

Let me begin by saying, since our last briefing, the Cluster on
International Relations has remained seized with the objective of consolidating
our African agenda which essentially consists of a number of projects that have
been on our list.

Firstly, in the context of the Southern African Development Community
(SADC), South Africa has remained very active, working hard to support the
objective of integrating the region � economically and politically. In this
context we have sought to assist in the strengthening the structures of SADC
itself with regard to the structures such as the Troika and the Organ.

At the recent SADC Summit, we progressed to amongst others, launching the
SADC Brigade which is an important step towards constituting a regional force
that will complement the strengthening of the African Union Peacekeeping
Force.

Of course, we had to deal with the situation in Zimbabwe. As all of you are
aware, South Africa has been mandated to facilitate the negotiations in
Zimbabwe between the main Zimbabwean parties � i.e. the government and the main
opposition party. As you know, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has
split into two. Therefore, South Africa, at the last Summit, had to give a
report as to the progress in this matter.

Outcomes of SADC Summit

The SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government was held from 16 to 17
August 2007 in Lusaka, Zambia and was preceded by the Council of Ministers from
14 to 15 August 2007 and other senior officials' meetings.

Other primary issues discussed by the Summit related to the status of
regional integration, infrastructure development in the region, and the
situation in Zimbabwe, within the context of the report by the Chairperson of
the SADC Organ. In reviewing the regional situation, the Summit considered
issues of economics and finance, social and human development, agriculture and
food security, gender and development, and HIV and AIDS. Other matters
discussed related to inter-regional co-ordination between SADC, the Common
Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community
(EAC), finance and administrative issues including the construction of the SADC
Headquarters, for which the memorandum of understanding was signed covering the
underwriting that Botswana has undertaken on the project. Mauritius was
mandated to continue its consultations with the Seychelles regarding the
latter's return to SADC, and in its preparations for the International
Conference on Poverty Alleviation.

With Zambia assuming chairmanship of the organisation and President Mbeki
being elected as Deputy Chairperson, the Troika now consists of Zambia (current
Chair), Lesotho (outgoing Chair) and South Africa (incoming Chair). The Organ
Troika consists of Angola (current Chair), Tanzania (outgoing Chair) and
Swaziland (incoming Chair). South Africa will thus host and chair the 2008 SADC
Summit and all SADC statutory meetings until August 2009. A separate exercise
will follow to elaborate recommendations on South Africa's strategy and policy
thrust during its term as SADC Chair and within the Troika.

The highlight of the 2007 Summit was the launch of the SADC Brigade,
consisting of military, police and civilian components from all SADC member
states, under the provisions of the African Union which recommends that each of
its five Regional Economic Communities (RECs) should have a standby capacity
for peace support operations on the continent.

On the status of regional economic integration, the Summit received the
Report of the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration on the
review of the implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area and noted that there
is a basis to declare the SADC Free Trade Area in 2008. All countries,
including those who have heavily 'backloaded' and would be obliged to remove
duties on a large number of tariff lines, indicated that they were in a
position to meet all tariff phase down obligations under the SADC Trade
Protocol by the time of the next Summit in 2008. Progress made in the
preparation of the SADC Customs Union Road Map was also noted and the
Ministerial Task Force was urged to accelerate the completion of this work -
including the need for the studies on an appropriate SADC customs union and
compatibility of national trade policies to be subject to national
consultations. The Ministerial Task Force will reconvene in October 2007 to
assess the national responses to the studies. South Africa offered to host the
Project Preparation Development Fund (PPDF) which, following a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to be concluded between the Secretariat and the Development
Bank of South Africa (DBSA) in consultation with member states, will be a first
step towards the SADC Development Fund.

The Summit was briefed on the SADC response to the situation in Zimbabwe. On
the political response, President Mbeki, acting on the mandate from the SADC
Organ Troika in Dar es Salaam in March 2007, presented his report to the Organ
Troika on 16 August 2007. The Chairperson of the Organ in turn reported to
Summit on 17 August 2007 that the negotiations between Zimbabwe African
National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and both factions of the Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) were progressing smoothly. The progress was welcomed
and the parties were encouraged to expedite the process of negotiations and
conclude work as soon as possible so that the next elections are held in a
peaceful and democratic atmosphere. On the economic response, the Summit noted
the Report of the Executive Secretary on the economic situation in Zimbabwe and
mandated the SADC Finance Ministers to draw up an economic plan to support that
country using the report and in consultation with the Government of
Zimbabwe.

The Summit held a special session on regional infrastructure development and
considered the status thereof within the context of contributing to regional
integration. Key sectors included Transport (road, rail, maritime and air);
Energy; Communications and Information Technology; Tourism; and Water. It was
recognised that the region requires adequate regional transboundary
infrastructure to allow for connectivity in terms of the sectors mentioned
thereby assisting in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
and regional tourism promotion. The Secretariat was directed to develop a
comprehensive regional infrastructure master plan, in consultation with member
states and relevant stakeholders for consideration at the next Summit in 2008.
National Treasury initiated a process in July 2007 of identifying existing,
planned and potential infrastructure projects by South African government
departments and state-owned enterprises, which, once developed further, could
possibly contribute to South Africa's inputs to the SADC master plan.

In reviewing the regional economic situation, it was noted that the annual
average growth for the region is expected to accelerate in 2007 to more than 7
percent (from 5,7% in 2006). Angola is projected to be the fastest growing
economy in both sub-Saharan Africa and the SADC region in 2007 due to an
expansion of oil production. This growth rate is required if SADC is to achieve
the MDG of halving poverty by 2015.

In order to address social and human development challenges in the region,
Summit noted that strategic frameworks in relation to malaria control,
tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health, human resources for health, the
Business Plan for the implementation of the SADC Pharmaceutical Programme,
including African Traditional Medicine and the Medicine Regulatory Guidelines,
have all been developed.

On agriculture and food security, it was noted that the food security
situation for 2006/07 was generally satisfactory as a result of a good cereal
harvest in 2006, despite registering a higher cereal deficit of 3,5 million
tonnes in 2006/07 than the previous year. South Africa, which normally produces
about half of the region's maize, is expected to produce about 7,17 million
tonnes, which is below its 10 year average of 9,27 million tones, due to
drought. Summit noted that Malawi has donated 5 000 metric tones of maize each
to Lesotho and Swaziland. Zambia also donated 10 000 metric tones of maize
through the World Food Programme for distribution to SADC Member States in
need. Summit urged member states to intensify their efforts in implementing the
Dar-es-Salaam Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security.

With regard to gender, the Draft Protocol on Gender and Development was
referred back to SADC Ministers responsible for Gender Matters to allow for
further national consultations and will be considered again at the next Summit
in 2008. Following consideration of reports on female representation in
decision making positions, the Summit urged member states to provide updated
figures to enable the Secretariat to revise its report and circulate
accordingly. Updated figures for South African women in decision making
positions need to be confirmed as contribution to the SADC report.

On HIV and AIDS in the region, the Heads of State and Government noted that
some positive trends and developments are emerging in a number of member
states, particularly in terms of the decline in both prevalence and incidence
of HIV in the youth in countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi and South
Africa. However, these trends have not yet been significant enough to translate
to decreases in the adult HIV prevalence. Member states were urged to continue
intensifying their efforts to implement the Maseru Declaration on HIV and AIDS
and to contribute towards the Regional HIV and AIDS Fund. South Africa already
contributed R1 million to the Fund. The Council approved the recommendation
that in future 5% of member states' annual contributions to the Community would
be allocated to the HIV and AIDS Fund.

The Summit noted the outcomes of the African Union Summit held in July in
Accra, Ghana, as well as the outcomes of the latest New Partnership for
Africa's Development (Nepad) Heads of State and Government Implementation
Committee (HSGIC). The SADC and Nepad Secretariats are currently preparing a
meeting of SADC member states to examine the Nepad situation in preparation of
the brainstorming session of Dakar, Senegal and other issues pertaining to
implementation of Nepad Programmes. The Summit further approved that a
Tripartite Summit between SADC, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern
Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC) be convened to co-ordinate
programmes and development in the three RECs.

It was noted that the International Conference on Poverty Alleviation will
be held in Mauritius in April 2008, back to back with the SADC Consultative
Conference. The main theme for both conferences, as approved by Council, is
Free Trade Area: A Strategy for Poverty Eradication and Development.

Mauritius was also mandated to further pursue negotiations with the
Seychelles regarding the latter's membership of the Community, and propose an
offer of an annual membership contribution of US$100 000.

The Progress Report on the Financing, Design and Construction of the New
SADC Headquarters was provided and member states were urged to make budgetary
provisions towards the unitary charge starting from 2010/2011, as well as to
sign the MoU with the Government of Botswana on the Projects' underwriting.

The Council approved the convening of an Extraordinary Meeting of Council in
October 2007 to consider the Report on the Job Evaluation Exercise. Member
states need to submit comments on the Report by 30th September 2007. Relevant
departments will be requested to provide comments accordingly.

The Extraordinary session will also consider the additional work done on
reviewing the role of the Integrated Committee of Ministers, as well as the
revised budget based on the new reprioritisation of SADC programmes. Based on a
mandate from its 2006 meeting in Maseru, the Council of Ministers approved the
following reprioritised SADC programmes of regional co-operation and
integration as recommended by the senior officials' workshop on the issue:

* trade/economic liberalisation and development
* infrastructure in support of regional integration
* peace and security co-operation
* special programmes of regional dimension under Education and Human Resource
Development, Health, HIV and AIDS and other Communicable Diseases, Food
Security and Transboundary Natural Resources, Statistics, Gender Equality, and
Science, Technology and Innovation and Research and Development.

An inter-departmental workshop will be held to co-ordinate and collate South
Africa's response to the reprioritisation and budgetary implications.

The SADC Brigade

The SADC Regional Peacekeeping Brigade was launched on Friday, 17 August
2007.

This military-police-civilian brigade is made up of personnel drawn from 11
of the member states of SADC. It has been constituted to respond to the
challenges of peace, security and stability that face our region.

At the same time, it constitutes a component part of the African Union (AU)
Standby Force which Africa is forming to ensure that it has the organised and
multi-skilled force to enable it to respond expeditiously to all situations of
conflict on our Continent. Thus the launch of the SADC Peacekeeping Brigade
represented, in concrete terms, the resolve of our region and continent to rely
on its resources effectively to ensure peace and security throughout
Africa.

African Union Summit

Strengthen governance and capacity in the AU

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Accra Ghana from 1 to 3
July 2007, was devoted in the main to the 'Grand Debate' on the Union
Government of Africa, with a view to providing a clear vision for the future of
the African Union and the framework for continental integration.

At the conclusion of deliberations, the Assembly adopted the Accra
Declaration in which, among other things, the Heads of State and Government
agreed to accelerate the economic and political integration of the Continent,
including the formation of a Union Government for Africa, with the ultimate
objective of creating the United States of Africa.

It affirms the integration process as envisaged by the Abuja Treaty, based
on the Regional Economic Communities, working towards a Common African Market,
within shorter timeframes. It also called for the conclusion of an audit, to
assess the composition and function of the Executive Council, the African Union
Council (AUC), and all other organs of the AUC.

Finally, the declaration calls for the establishment of a Ministerial
Committee, to examine the content of the Union Government proposal and its
relation to national governments, to identify domains for competence and its
impact on sovereignty, the relationship between the RECs and the Union
Government as well as propose timeframes, financing options to support the
activities of the Union.

The Ministerial Committee would be constituted by two members per
region.

Engage African Diaspora

The Ministerial African Diaspora Conference will be held in South Africa
from the 16 to 18 November 2007, with the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
scheduled for 14 to 15 November 2007. The SOM will take place at the same time
as the civil society conference (14 to 15 November 2007).

The involvement of the Diaspora would enhance Africa's economic development
and broaden the human resource capacity for achieving the goals of the African
agenda.

Launch off the Pan-African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF)

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa and
Dr Nana Addo Dangual Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana and
representatives from Ghana and South Africa pension funds participated in the
launch of the Fund in Accra, Ghana held on the fringes of the African Union
Summit.

The vision for the Fund is to create a financing platform for infrastructure
development that will accelerate Africa's growth. The Fund estimates that over
the next ten years at least US$150 billion of infrastructure investment
opportunities are expected to be created due to infrastructure demands in
energy, water and sanitation, transport and communication technology.

The Fund represents investment opportunities to African States and Private
investors on the continent and is structured to offer a range of investment
instruments to offer opportunities for African pension fund portfolios to
invest on the continent; competitive instruments based on public-private
infrastructure investments to increase returns; flexible long-term investment
horizons; the mitigation of risk at key levels; a opportunity to participate in
an initiative for Africa's post-colonial reconstruction that will help to put
in place the drivers for Africa's future growth.

The PAIDF has so far mobilised close to US$625 million that will be used to
finance continental projects under the AU development flagship programme,
Nepad. South Africa and Ghana have urged other African countries to join South
Africa and Ghana in making the fund a success. Both countries have made firm
commitments to the PAIDF and other African governments have expressed interest
in making contributions pending legislation from their individual parliaments,
allowing them to make the necessary payments.

Operationalisation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)

In a meeting between the APRM Panel and the Nepad Five + 2 country
representatives (Ethiopia and Ghana) on 29 June 2007 in Accra, concern was
expressed regarding the slow pace of the peer review process. It was agreed
that signatories should provide the core funding for the APRM.

Of the twenty-six countries that have acceded to the APRM, thirteen have
been engaged in the peer review process. Of these, five countries (Ghana,
Kenya, Rwanda, Algeria and South Africa) have completed the process. The
remaining eight countries (Nigeria, Uganda, Mauritius, Benin, Burkina Faso,
Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania) have received a Country Support Mission (CSM)
and are in various stages of implementation. Countries that have acceded to the
APRM, but are yet to launch APRM processes, are Angola, Cameroon, Egypt,
Ethiopia, Gabon, Malawi, Mali, Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Zambia and
Sao Tome & Principe.

South African Report

Professor Adebayo Adedeji, Panel member and leader of the South African
Review Team presented the report. It identified 18 South African best practices
worthy of emulation. These best practices include Co-operative Governance,
popular participatory governance practices, Batho Pele, Multi-Purpose Community
Centres, the highly consultative Budget Formulation Process, achievements of
the South African Revenue Services, the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, the
JSE and Triple Bottom Line Reporting, the Mzansi Account for the un-banked, the
Financial Service Charter, the King Reports, self-reliance in development
funding, provision of basic needs and socio-economic rights and the successful
promotion of gender equality in the public sphere.

The Panel also listed cross-cutting issues that it presented as challenges
for the country. These are unemployment, capacity, land reform, violence
against women and children, HIV and AIDS pandemic, corruption, crime, racism
and xenophobia, managing diversity, poverty and inequalities, and constraints
and poor service delivery.

So it was really a balanced assessment. The report did not include only
South Africa's achievements but also its challenges.

Overall, the Panel commended South Africa for meeting the tight timeframes
required by the APRM guidelines in a participatory and transparent manner.

President Mbeki expressed South Africa's appreciation for the extensive
engagement with the Panel and the APRM Secretariat around the Report and the
Programme of Action (PoA). He stressed that South Africa was satisfied with the
objectivity of the report.

The APRM member states, in their capacity as peers, endorsed the process
that South Africa undertook in completing the Country Self-Assessment Report.
Member states agreed that South Africa's process was inclusive, participatory
and innovative.

The South African review was completed by the Forum.

The Forum also took the following decisions:

* Benin would be reviewed at the 8th APRF scheduled for 2008.
* The annual progress reports of Rwanda and Kenya would be discussed at the
January 2008 meeting.
* The four-year appointment of the APR Panel was extended by a year until July
2008.
* Professor Adebayo Adedeji, the Deputy Chairperson of the Panel, succeeded
Professor Dorothy Njeuma as the new chairperson of the APR Panel.
* The APR Panel will convene a brainstorming session before the 8th APRF to
reflect on the APRM Process to-date especially with regard to lessons learnt
from the countries reviewed so far.

South Africa remains at the centre of the issues related to the Continent.
South Africa is therefore intensely involved in all forthcoming issues.

AU-European Union (EU) Relations

It is envisaged that the Second Africa-Europe Summit will take place in
Lisbon on 7 December 2007. At the Summit, the Joint Africa-Europe Strategy will
be adopted and the Joint Implementation Matrix will be endorsed. Since the
beginning of 2007, a series of experts meeting have been taking place between
the African Union and the European Union aimed at mapping out and preparing a
draft Joint Africa�Europe Strategy. South Africa, as Chefs de Files for
Regional Integration and Trade has participated in the negotiation process. The
draft outline for a Joint Strategy was endorsed by the 8th EU-Africa
Ministerial Troika Meeting in Brussels, May 2007.

Contribute towards peace, security and stability in Africa

Establish the African Standby Force

Phase 1 of the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF) has been
concluded. Phase 1 focused on continental consultations for the formulation of
ASF policies on the doctrine, standard operating procedures, command and
control, communication and information systems, training evaluation, logistics,
and medical and legal aspects of the ASF.

The AU Commission has now started phase 2, which includes consolidating
existing policy documents, development of the concept of operation in line with
ASF mission scenarios and development, enhancing co-operation between United
Nations Department for Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO), identification of
capabilities and capability development. An implementation plan for the
civilian dimension of the ASF has been developed.

In keeping with this matter of stabilisation which is key to development, we
remain quite involved in peace efforts in Cote d'Ivoire.

Support Peace efforts in Cote d'Ivoire

We can report that as a consequence of the earlier work that we had done,
and that of others in the continent like Burkina Faso, the Ouagadougou
Agreement was reached earlier this year.

As you are aware we saw the people of Cote d'Ivoire along with President
Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister Guillaume Soro participate in the ceremonial
lighting of the Flame of Peace in Yamoussoukro on 30 July 2007, which saw the
symbolic destruction of weapons from both sides.

However the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement has fallen behind
schedule primarily because of capacity and resource constraints as well as
positions regarding the integration of armed forces.

What is clear however is that the country is united in the pursuit towards
the holding of elections. Although this may not happen in October 2007; that it
will happen is not in doubt.

South Africa is very proud that we as a country were involved in this
process in the most intricate and difficult stages.

As you remember we relinquished participation in this process when we were
elected to the United Nations Security Council so that we could fulfil our
mandate on the Council with regard to Cote d'Ivoire with impartiality.

Contribute to the stabilisation of Somalia

With regard to the issue of Somalia, South Africa fully supports all efforts
to stabilise Somalia.

The much anticipated Somali Reconciliation Conference/Congress finally
started in Mogadishu on 15 July 2007 after two postponements. The Conference
was however suspended due to acts of violence. The meeting resumed on 19 July
2007 with Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi declaring that no amount of
explosions will deter the conference from taking place.

South Africa supports the National Reconciliation process in Somalia and is
willing to assist the TFG (Transitional Federal Government), mainly in the form
of technical and capacity building, to ensure that the national reconciliation
process is successful.

Security Council authorises African Union Somalia mission for further six
months

The United Nations Security Council last week authorised the African Union
to maintain its operation in Somalia for a further six months.

By its unanimous adoption of resolution 1772 (2007) under Chapter VII of the
United Nations Charter, the Council also mandated the mission to provide
protection to the Transitional Federal Institutions and help them carry out
their functions of government and security for key infrastructure; assist with
the implementation of the National Security and Stabilisation Plan,
particularly the effective reestablishment and training of all inclusive Somali
security forces.

Welcoming the National Reconciliation Congress, the Council stressed the
need for it to involve all stakeholders, including all political, clan and
religious leaders, the business community, and representatives of civil
society, such as women's groups. It stressed also the need for broad-based and
representative institutions reached through an all inclusive political process,
as envisaged in Somalia's Transitional Federal Charter.

It reiterated the need for the ongoing political process to both agreed on a
comprehensive and lasting cessation of hostilities and to produce a road map
for a comprehensive peace process, including democratic elections at the local,
regional and national levels, as set out in the Transitional Federal
Charter.

Council demanded that all Member States comply fully with the arms embargo
imposed by resolution 733 (1992) and reiterated its intention to consider ways
to strengthen its effectiveness, including through targeted measures. It
requested that the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992)
report to the Council within 60 days on how such measures might be
implemented.

Those prohibitions would not apply to: supplies of weapons and military
equipment, technical training and assistance intended solely for the support
of, or use by, the African Union Mission; and such supplies and technical
assistance by States intended solely for the purpose of helping develop
security sector institutions.

The Council also requested the Secretary-General to continue to develop
contingency planning for the possible deployment of a United Nations
peace-building operation to replace the African Union, including by sending a
further technical assessment mission, and to report on the status of the
planning within 30 days.

Contribute towards post conflict reconstruction and development (PCRD) in
Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

We have recently concluded the 4th session of the South Africa�Democratic
Republic of Congo Bi-national Commission (BNC).

We continue to carry a significant slice with regard to the obligations of
post-conflict reconstruction and peacekeeping in the DRC. One of the reasons we
avoided committing ourselves to more theatres of conflict was because we would
want to concentrate our energies on those theatres of conflict that we are
already involved in and see them through to completion before we assume
additional responsibilities.

The DRC remains our main focus so that we do not allow a situation to arise
in which the investments that have already been made are eroded. Once we can
complete such a process, then we can look at becoming involved in other
theatres of conflict. Also knowing that we have turned countries like the DRC
into allies in efforts to build peace and that they too can contribute to other
areas of conflict.

It has been recommended that the training requirements of the DRC be put
together and that Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA),
through the South African Management Development Institute (SAMDI), become
involved in the training of DRC government officials. SAMDI has already
appointed a Project Manager in Kinshasa for this purpose. This is to avoid
duplication of training in order to adhere to financial management systems
(cost effectiveness).

It is also proposed that the proposed terms of reference from the Dutch
Government to establish a trilateral arrangement between South Africa, The
Netherlands and the DRC regarding the Security Sector Reform (SSR) assistance
to the DRC, be expeditiously considered.

The situation in the Eastern part of the DRC remains tense due to the recent
upswing in violent incidents in the region. This leads to never-ending attacks
on local villages with its resultant displacement of the population.

President Kabila has designated two Ministers of his Government to organise
a roundtable discussion that will involve all of the forces (civilian,
military, political) present in the east, including General Nkunda. The terms
of reference of the roundtable discussions must still be finalised, but the aim
is to find a political solution for the problems of eastern DRC.

At the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) of the Organ of the SADC,
the DRC delegation stressed that their main objective was to integrate the
forces of General Nkunda into the DRC armed forces. The DRC delegation also
reported that they will be holding discussions with Rwanda regarding the
repatriation of Rwandan militia in the DRC back to their country of origin.

Outcome of SA-DRC BNC

President Mbeki led a delegation consisting of twelve Ministers and one
Deputy Minister and several senior officials, including nine Directors-General,
from the various Government Departments of the Republic of South Africa to the
Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South African and the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) in Kinshasa on Tuesday, 21 August 2007.

During the BNC, the Presidents stated that the BNC will be held, at
Presidential level bi-annually. Thereafter, it was up to the Ministers and
Officials to decide how many times they meet at their respective levels to
prepare for the Presidential BNC.

Three agreements were signed at the BNC:

* Memorandum of Understanding on Development and Co-operation in Transport
Related Matters between the Government of the Republic of South Africa through
its Department of Transport and the Government of the Democratic Republic of
Congo through its Ministry of Transport and Communications
* Protocol between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Hospital Services
* Joint Declaration of Intent between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic
of South Africa and the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans of the Democratic
Republic of Congo concerning Support and Assistance to the Democratic Republic
of Congo in the reform of the Armed Forces.

The two countries have agreed to embark on a process of evaluating all
agreements signed with a view of aligning all agreements to the priorities as
set by the DRC Government. This process would be finalised and presented for
consideration at the next Ministerial Review meeting.

The Politics and Diplomacy Sub-Commission noted the progress made in the
capacity building of the Diplomatic Academy and endorsed the willingness of the
Diplomatic Academy to establish a foreign language centre. South Africa
supported this initiative. The Sub-Commission welcomed the interest of the DRC
to organise a seminar on the Congolese Diaspora living in South Africa. The
Sub-Commission considered a request for inclusion in the Commission by Women's
Groups from both the DRC and RSA. South Africa undertook to assist the
Diplomatic Academy with the second training session for 2007. The
Sub-Commission endorsed and committed to working together in the implementation
of the 3 year Strategic Plan for the Diplomatic Academy.

The Governance and Administration Sub-Commission recommended that a
permanent census unit be established through a legal Act. A signed MoU on Anti
Corruption, that includes United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), can
serve as a tool to obtain support for the Governance Programme of the DRC
Government to fight corruption and promote ethics in general. A feasibility
study is to be commissioned by 31 December 2007, by South Africa, for the
refurbishment of the ENAP wing within the Ministry of Public Service for ENA
(the venue will be used by SAMDI for the training of government officials). If
refurbishment is recommended then it will be subject to funding being made
available from South Africa's African Renaissance Fund. A consultative forum on
decentralisation is to be held by October 2007. There is a need to review the
signed MoU on Immigration and Population Matters of 2004 as pre-election
priorities have since changed with the change in Leadership (DRC). The DRC
wishes to explore RSA support in the coming local government elections.

The Defence and Security Commission agreed to strengthen the capacity of RSA
assistance - South African Detachment Assisting with Integration & Training
(SADAIT) - in order to ensure sufficient resources to focus on the
identification and registration of the remaining 100 034 former combatants into
the Forces Armees de la Republic Democratic du Congo (FARDC), according to a
needs analysis to be drawn up by mid-September 2007. It was agreed that
thorough preparation must be undertaken before the October 2007 SSR Contact
Group meeting. The Congolese Ministry must establish a Joint Technical
Committee by 1 September 2007 to work out the details of the SSR plan. South
Africa thus undertook to immediately assist the FARDC by placing expert staff
in the SADAIT to assist the FARDC in planning for the October 2007 meeting. The
Police agreed that after the promulgation of the Police Nationale Congolaise
(PNC) Organic Law, a Steering Committee meeting should be held and followed by
a Ministerial meeting to finalise the recommendations of the Steering
Committee. There is a need for further interaction between the Ministries of
Justice of both counties informed by an implementable Plan of Action with clear
timelines. The finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two
countries in relation to the Administration of Justice is essential.

The Economy, Finance and Infrastructure Commission were assured by the DRC
government that they will accelerate the ratification of the Reciprocal
Protection and Promotion of Investments Agreement. South Africa undertook to
facilitate the involvement of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and
Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) in the projects identified under the
Maluku Industrial Development Zone and to consider the provision of credit line
facilities as a financing support mechanism for the projects.

The Social and Humanitarian Affairs Commission recommended that it would
focus on the establishment of the necessary institutions, in particular the
establishment of a housing financial institution, and developing and
implementing a housing code and construction code as an urgent pre-requisite
for attracting investors into the residential property market of the DRC. The
Parties have established a Joint Committee to monitor the implementation of the
Agreement on Education. The DRC has proposed collaboration on sharing
information, experiences and technical expertise in the areas of health care
insurance. The Commission recommended mobilisation of resources beyond the
SA/DRC bilateral co-operation so as to include multilateral and other
partnerships for Social and Humanitarian Affairs.

The Sudan

The Sudan remains a very serious challenge.

In this regard, the challenges facing the implementation of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) are threatening peace between the North and
the South, particularly the implementation of the Abyei Boundary Commission
(ABC) Report. The failure to implement the ABC report is impacting on the
demarcation of the North/South border and on the census and poses challenges
for the 2009 mid-term elections and the 2011 referendum. Both, the National
Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) are
currently recruiting people to settle in Abyei in an effort to influence the
2011 referendum.

Darfur

We continue to be happy with the progress that has been made on the
operationalisation of the AU-UN Hybrid Force for Darfur.

The immediate task is to establish a core command and control capacity,
leading to, by October, the full financial and administrative arrangements
necessary for the transfer of authority from the African Union Mission in the
Sudan (AMIS) to United Nations and African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
The new force would take effect on or before 31 October.

There is continuous dialogue with the African Union and its partners
concerning the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS) needs during the transition, as
well as active dialogue with the Government of the Sudan.

With more than 26 000 military and policy personnel mandated by the Council,
in addition to some 5 000 civilian staff, the operation would be the largest of
its kind ever deployed by the United Nations. This would be the largest such
operation ever deployed under the auspices of the United Nations. One can
therefore expect many difficulties and new innovative ways of dealing with the
mandate of this operation.

At a meeting of troop-contributing countries held on 2 August substantial
pledges needed for infantry elements were made, which, as planned, looked like
they would be dominated by African units.

The force was planned to be a highly mobile, dynamic one, not confined to
static bases, with robust rules of engagement under Chapter VII of the United
Nations Charter. In addition to the standard armaments of infantry battalions,
attack helicopters had been requested.

The operational concept was still being finalised, however, and would be
continue to be developed as the force became familiar with the territory, she
said. As mentioned in the Council resolution, it was still Sudan's
responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens. There were no provisions
for 'hot pursuit' of malfeasants across borders.

However, important support, such as aviation and ground support that were
expected from the non-African contributing countries, still fell short. In the
tight timeframe, firm commitments from the troop contributors were needed by
today 15 August, with all contributions finalised within 30 days, according to
the Council resolution.

The United Nations will supply the civilian staffing and management.
Commercial contractors will provide the remaining services and resources.

It is expected that the operation's headquarters will be located near the
town of El Fasher in central Darfur, with additional sector headquarters in
Nyala in the south and El Geneina in the west. The subsector headquarters was
planned for Zalingie, and up to 55 troop deployment sites were anticipated.

The major logistical difficulties being anticipated included the size and
aridity of the province, hence the need for transport aircraft and a complex
water strategy, now being developed in conjunction with technical
consultants.

Funding remains a challenge with the cost of the operation estimated at over
$2 billion annually, but the figures could not be confirmed because such a
large hybrid force was unprecedented.

Humanitarian support for such activities was a priority of the operation,
which, like all other components, required the continued co-operation of the
Sudanese Government.

It is vital that the developed countries, not only those in the Security
Council, who have been clamouring for a hybrid force for Sudan must commit
themselves to moving more decisively to make the necessary resources �
financial and others - available for this force to be operationalised by
October 2007.

Additional to all of this, are issues of the ongoing consolidation of these
processes viz. the engagement between Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army so
that we can finally achieve stabilisation in Uganda. If we are to achieve
stability in the DRC all other role-players in the region must be dealt
with.

Let me add that we are also quite involved in Darfur, Chad and the Central
African Republic.

We are now in the process of deploying an additional contingent of troops to
Chad to stabilise the situation there. It will not be possible to stabilise the
Darfur in isolation to the Central African Republic and Chad so a comprehensive
approach to that enclave is very important.

Part of the consolidation and advancement of the African agenda requires
that we should remain intensely seized with those deployments.

Nearer to home we are providing support to Mozambique and continuously
supporting the situation in Lesotho and Swaziland.

A more recent issue has been that of the United States�Africa Command
(AFRICOM). This is not a new development in so far as the United States has
always had some presence on the African continent. The AFRICOM initiative has
raised a lot of interest and attracted a lot of attention because at some point
there is a sense that Africa has to avoid the presence of foreign forces on her
soil. There is a certain sense that if there was to be an influx of armed
forces into one or another African countries, this might affect the relations
between sister countries and not encourage an atmosphere and sense of security.
The idea of a US focus on Africa is not new.

The SADC Summit did adopt the position that it is better if the United
States were involved with Africa from a distance rather than be present on the
continent that creates a sense of uncertainty.

Strengthen South-South co-operation

Strengthen the India Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum

South Africa successfully participated in the 4th IBSA Ministerial
Commission Meeting in India from 13 to 17 July 2007.

Logistical and substance preparations for a Focal Points meeting in South
Africa in September 2007, as well as for the 2nd IBSA Summit in Sandton,
Johannesburg on 17 October 2007, are in progress.

Active engagement in the New Africa Asia Strategic Partnership (NAASP)

The NAASP Ministerial Meeting will be held from 12 to 14 January 2008 at the
Nasser Convention Centre in Egypt. A Business Summit would also take place at
the same time in Egypt.

The purpose and key focus of the NAASP Ministerial would be to assess the
progress that has been made since the NAASP Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held
in 2006 and to also start preparations for the NAASP Summit, which will take
place in South Africa in 2008/9.

Chairing of the G20

South Africa, as Chair of the G-20 has continued to co-ordinate relevant
activities which will culminate in the Ministerial Meeting scheduled for
November 2007. Several workshops and seminars were held during the past few
months as part of the activities, namely; the G-20 Workshop on Reform of the
Bretton Woods Institutions; the African Policy Seminar on Aid Effectiveness
that was held in Pretoria; a Meeting of G-20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies
also held in Pretoria; a Workshop on Commodities and Financial Stability; and
one on Fiscal Elements of Growth and Development.

Contribution towards the Middle East Peace Process

We urge co-operation between Israel and Palestine and also urge
international partners to take a more active role in this regard.

Questions and answers

Question: Minister Lekota, regarding Somalia � there has been reluctance by
African countries to deploy troops to ensure the situation is stabilised. Have
there been discussions on this matter? Is South Africa going to redeploy
returning troops to Somalia?

Answer: Let me say that I don't think it is correct to say that there has
been reluctance on the part of African countries to deploy troops to Somalia.
If one takes into account that the African Union has taken a position to
support the stabilisation of that country what one has to take into account is
that many of the African countries, however much they may be willing to make a
contribution, has to be balanced against the capabilities and resources of
these countries.

Many of you will recall that when we dealt with the issue of Burundi, South
Africa for a long time was the only country capable of deploying troops to the
country.

At a later stage two other countries � Mozambique and Ethiopia � were able
to deploy troops because of their anxiety to contribute to the alleviation of
this situation. They did not have any other resources to be able to carry a
mission of this nature. It was only as a result of facilitation and support
from countries like the United Kingdom that they were then able to deploy
troops.

Many of the countries, despite their will, are not endowed with the
resources to contribute troops to such situations of instability.

I don't think we should interpret inability and resource-constraints as
reluctance.

One must also take into account that when you contribute to a theatre of
conflict like Somalia, which has been experiencing instability since the days
of the Cold War, you have to be ready to go into that theatre fully expecting a
long and protracted deployment.

We ourselves, who committed to the DRC process, are learning that going into
such a theatre may look fairly easy but once you are involved, you become
involved in ways in which you had not originally anticipated.

Burundi is a very small country. When we started in Burundi, it looked
fairly easy. But the lessons of Burundi have been that not only has it gone on
for much longer than we had anticipated but when we withdrew following
elections, we found we had to return because of problems that arose out of our
withdrawal including the tensions that emerged between the elected government
and other parties. We now have new problems in Burundi that makes us realise
that our intervention will have to last much longer than we had
anticipated.

Therefore, any party that enters Somalia must have done so following much
consideration of the reality of the situation.

Question: Minister Lekota, could you elaborate on the AFRICOM � has this
been communicated to the United States and by whom?

Answer: With regard to this matter, let me say that at the SADC Inter-State
Committee meeting in Dar-ES-Salaam, the SADC Defence and Security Ministers
took a decision that sister countries of the region should not agree to host
AFRICOM and in particular, armed forces, since this would have a negative
effect. That recommendation was presented to the Heads of State and this is a
SADC position.

As far as we are aware, the majority of the regions in Africa have taken a
similar position.

The decisions and outcomes of the Continental body would be communicated to
the relevant parties by the African Union administration in Addis Ababa.

Question: Minister Lekota, is there not a risk in knowing that there will be
a carrier and troops in the Gulf of Guinea and in the Horn of Africa without
being able to do anything about it?

Answer: It is not unnatural that there may be one or two countries who do
not concur with the majority. In fact, this is the nature of democracy � i.e.
majorities and not unanimity. So, if one was to say that this is an African
position, this would be so because this is the position of the majority.
Normally the minority, even if it holds a different view, would support the
view of the majority simply because the interest of the unity of Africa
supercedes one's personal view.

I would imagine that any country that wants to go against the decision of
the African Union does not having taken full cognisance of the implications of
this decision.

South Africa takes a position that even if we do hold a different view, we
would support the view of the majority of the continent simply because this is
in our medium to long-term interests.

Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, can you give us an update on the situation
in Iran?

Answer: There has been extensive interaction over this period and as you
know, Javier Solana, on behalf of the P5+1 has been in contact with Mr
Larijani, Iran's Chief Negotiator and they have had extensive discussions.

What is more important is that there have been positive developments at the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Iranians have put forward a
roadmap to resolve all outstanding issues with the IAEA.

The Iranian government has also allowed IAEA inspectors to go into sites in
Iran which had previously been difficult to do.

Indeed, from the latest IAEA report, the Iranians are beginning to
co-operate more intensely in order to find solutions to the outstanding
issues.

Of course, the Iranians continue to make it clear that they will co-operate
fully to finalise the discussions in the IAEA but if additional sanctions are
introduced they will not only stop co-operation with the IAEA but consider
withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

So we are encouraging the P5+1 to intensify their negotiations while
watching the IAEA processes very closely. As members of the Board of the IAEA
we will continue to ensure that IAEA processes are followed and that Iran does
complete its negotiations with the IAEA so that finally the IAEA can declare
whether it is satisfied that the Iranian programme is indeed just for peaceful
purposes.

This is the big issue on which we must concentrate at the moment.

Question: Minister Lekota, can you indicate what the cost of our involvement
in Africa is?

Answer: I am afraid that it is very difficult to provide such a figure. I
have no oversight at the moment of how much the Department of Public Service
and Administration, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Police and Defence have
spent.

In addition to this, some of the work we are doing in the DRC for instance
is on a trilateral basis � South Africa, the DRC and Belgium.

Question: Minister Lekota, SADC took a position on AFRICOM and this was
presented in Addis Ababa. Is there an African Union position on this
matter?

Answer: My understanding is that this is a continental position. We have no
quarrel with AFRICOM as such, but the issue of its location in Africa is of
concern.

The continent has said that it would not like to see new forces in
Africa.

Question: Minister Lekota, there was very strong international reaction to
the dismissal of the former Deputy Minister of Health. What are you doing to
counteract this?

Answer: Let me say, the South African constitution gives the Head of State
the right to invite anyone to serve on his Cabinet. Similarly, when the
President occupies that position, and he feels that such a Minister or Deputy
Minister no longer serves the position they were invited to serve or who no
longer contributes to the programme of the government, then the Head of State
can make the appropriate decision. I find it very strange that if someone is
dismissed from the Cabinet of the United Kingdom we think we have the right to
protest against this decision.

No South African citizen, or any citizen of another country has the right to
protest against the appointment or dismissal of a member of Cabinet.

Even though the structures of the African National Congress may advise the
President or Premier, it is the prerogative of the President or Premier to take
this advice or not.

The Head of State is mandated by the Constitution to appoint whomever he
wants to set up an effective administration.

I would be able to understand this protest if the South African constitution
had been violated but no such violation has occurred.

Question: Minister Lekota, regarding the Defence Review, I was wondering if
the matter has been presented to Cabinet as per the Secretariats report?

Answer: The matter has not yet gone to Cabinet but we are almost there.

Question: Minister Lekota, on the Rooivalk � are you happy with the
arrangements that are in place to keep the Rooivalk flying for its 20 year
lifespan?

Answer: Firstly, I think we are in a reasonable position to keep them flying
for a considerable period to come but I must say we continue to harbour the
hope that there will be way to extend the lifespan of such a marvellous
helicopter. We cannot get rid of such technology.

I am hoping that circumstances will be more fortuitous that we may be able
to go back to it. But the reality of the situation dictates that we must come
to terms with the decision we have made.

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
29 August 2007