Centre, Amphitheatre, Union Buildings
21 June 2007
2010 Soccer World Cup
FIFA president Sepp Blatter on a visit to South Africa this week said,
"There are people who still say they can organise a better World Cup elsewhere.
But because SA's organisation has been so good, there is always going to be
criticism."
"There is always going to be jealousy because the World Cup is coming here.
If you (SA) were not good, you would not be getting so much criticism. You may
rest assured that nothing will take this World Cup from Africa. Nothing but
God."
"After what I have seen here today, I can say we are on track. I am very
optimistic."
"I will be very happy to go to Cape Town and meet with Mayor Helen Zille and
speak about Cape Town. But I am sure that based on what I have seen (on video)
and what I have been told; I do not expect any problems."
On 18 July 2007 millions of South Africans and the world will be celebrating
former President Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday. The South African government
is excited by President Blatter's announcements that a star-studded Africa team
will play against a star-studded world team to celebrate the occasion.
This will be another important occasion to showcase South Africa and Africa
and put to rest any unfounded views that we will not be able to host a
successful World Cup in 2010.
African Union (AU) Summit
South African President Thabo Mbeki supported by Foreign Minister Dr
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will attend the 9th African Union Heads of State and
Government Summit in Accra, Ghana from Sunday to Tuesday, 1 to 3 July 2007.
The Summit will be preceded by the 11th Executive Council session scheduled
from Thursday to Friday, 28 to 29 June 2007. Minister Dlamini Zuma will depart
for this meeting on the morning of 28 June 2007.
The Assembly at its meeting in January 2007 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia decided
to devote the 9th session of the forthcoming Summit to the Grand Debate on the
Union Government.
The Summit, by focusing on the Union Government of Africa seeks to bring to
finality this debate that has been going on since 1963.
Also on the agenda of the Summit is the election of the Chairperson, Deputy
Chairperson and Commissioners of the African Union Commission, as the terms of
the current incumbents come to an end in September 2007.
The Heads of State and Government will also consider the report of the New
Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) Heads of State and Government
Implementation Committee on the Integration of Nepad into the Headquarters and
Procedures of the African Union.
The African Peer Review Forum will be held on the margins of the Summit.
Algeria and South Africa are due for review.
The Pan-African Infrastructure Development Fund will be launched on 1 July
2007. This follows a decision that Africa should utilise its own funding for it
developmental programmes.
Zone of Peace and Security (ZPCSA)
The Zone of Peace and Security (ZPCSA) held its 6th Ministerial Meeting in
Luanda, Angola on the 18th and 19th of June 2007. The Zone brings together 24
members states that share a coastline in the South Atlantic Ocean and comprises
21 African states and 3 South American states that include Angola, Benin,
Cameroon, Cape Verde, Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia,
Namibia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, South
Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
South Africa hosted the 4th Ministerial meeting of Member States of the Zone
on 1 and 2 April 1996, at Somerset West.
South Africa recognises the benefits of its membership to this Zone and
wishes to support the most recent endeavours undertaken following the 6th
Ministerial meeting and stands ready to support Angola in this regard, as it
holds the Chairmanship of the Zone for the next two years.
Whilst the primary objective of the Zone was to achieve peace and security,
the Zone Members have subsequently called for broader co-operation amongst its
members in various fields. The most recent meeting in Luanda affirmed these
calls by adopting the Luanda Plan of Action.
The benefits of co-operation amongst the members of the Zone will make a
significant contribution to the development of the South. The Zone members will
make conscious efforts to facilitate the flow of goods and services among its
member states, a benefit that can only be achieved through the peace dividend
that we increasingly seem to enjoy in the region.
The Luanda Plan of Action identified four clusters:
Economic Co-operation (partnerships for sustainable development/poverty
eradication):
* clean fuels and environmentally friendly energy / bio fuels
* agricultural and livestock production
* human resource development
* health
* education
* infrastructure development.
Crime Prevention and Combating drug trafficking, Transnational Organised
Crime including piracy:
* exchange of best practice in illicit drug combating
* technical co-operation for human and institutional capacity building
* information-sharing, database establishment and judicial co-operation
* early warning systems on trans-national organised criminal activities.
Peace, Stability and Security (including conflict prevention and peace
building within the Zone):
* regional co-operation and co-ordination through other regional bodies
[Southern African Development Community (SADC), Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS), Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa
(CEMAC) and the OAS]
* joint peace-keeping exercises
* co-operation in the areas of capacity building/logistics/information
exchanges vis a vis peacekeeping
* exchanges and facilitation of best practices and establishment of databases
vis a vis national institutions on peacekeeping, conflict resolution, peace
building etc.
Scientific Research, Environment and Marine issues:
* co-operation in the protection and responsible management of marine
resources
* dialogue on issues of intellectual property rights regarding genetic marine
resources in areas beyond national jurisdictions
* combat illegal spillages and dumping of toxic waste
* research issue of mutual interest in marine biodiversity and ecology.
(Comment by Deputy Minister: The greatest concern is that the Atlantic Ocean
is experiencing what we call the Super Exploitation of our resources. We have
taken decisions that we will work together to try to combat this Super
Exploitation of our natural resources by developed countries. This meeting
spent a lot of time attempting to co-ordinate our efforts to deal with this
issue.)
We call on all civil society organisations, academia, think-tanks and
business, amongst other sectors could find equally promising opportunities for
outreach and mutual benefit.
Lesotho
Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili paid an Official Visit to South Africa
from Monday, 18 to Wednesday, 20 June 2007.
Security situation in Lesotho
An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Lesotho's capital Maseru after a
series of attacks by gunmen targeting senior political figures and their
bodyguards, police said on Tuesday, 19 June 2007.
Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, who held talks Tuesday with South African
President Thabo Mbeki in Cape Town, acknowledged there was still some
"unhappiness" about the allocation of parliamentary seats following the
elections but insisted any disputes should be resolved by the courts.
The SADC Troika did take a decision that it would attempt to resolve this
matter. The Commonwealth is also involved in trying to resolve this matter
because as you know, the Commonwealth was instrumental in drafting the
constitution in Lesotho. It is on the basis of this that these challenges are
now being proposed. We do hope we can quickly normalise this situation through
the SADC Troika and that any differences that continue to emerge be handled
through the legal system. We call on those who are reverting to violence to
halt such behaviour. We hope that the SADC Troika will act decisively to bring
some stability to this matter.
"The (curfew) follows a series of attacks made on ministers and their
bodyguards since June 11," national police spokesperson Inspector Pheello
Mphana said in Maseru. "About six ministerial bodyguards were attacked and
disarmed by unknown gunmen and this has affected security in the country."
Prime Minister Mosisili however told reporters in Cape Town that the curfew
was unavoidable although he indicated it would be relaxed to allow residents to
get home by 8pm rather than 6pm. The measure was first introduced at the
weekend.
"It was precipitated by� certain very unfortunate incidents in which the
residences of ministers were being attacked," he said.
"These things happened under the cover of darkness, which is why the
commissioner thought it necessary to contain these acts of crime and to impose
a curfew."
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) visit to Africa
South Africa, and the United Kingdom, headed a visit of the United Nations
Security Council to the Headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, to
Accra, Ghana as well as to Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire and Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) from Saturday to Friday, 16 to 22 June 2007.
Under South Africa's co-leadership in Addis Ababa the UNSC held discussions
with the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) which focused on
identifying ways in which the co-operation between the two bodies can be
further enhanced. The discussions also addressed some of the conflict
situations on the agendas of the UNSC and the AU PSC.
The visit by the UNSC to Africa generally comes against the backdrop of
positive developments in some of the countries on the agenda of the UNSC. The
successful elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the signing of
the Ouagadougou Peace Agreement by the leaders of Cote d'Ivoire both signal new
beginnings for these countries. It is imperative that the international
community continues its support to ensure that progress achieved is not
reversed.
Joint Communique Agreed By The UN Security Council And AU Peace And Security
Council, Addis Ababa, 16 June 2007
1. Recalling that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has the primary
responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security;
2. Recalling the provisions of Chapter VIII of the United Nations (UN)
Charter on the relationship with regional arrangements;
3. Recalling the mandate of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU
PSC) with regard to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa, as
provided for in the relevant provisions of the Protocol Relating to the
establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union
(AU);
4. Recalling the Presidential Statements and decisions of the UNSC and AU
PSC on the relationship between the two bodies;
5. Recognising the contribution made by the AU, Regional Economic
Communities and the UN in promoting peace in Africa;
6. Underlining the importance of support for the operationalisation of the
African Peace and Security Architecture and in this context encouraging the
implementation of the 10-year programme for capacity building between the UN
Secretariat and the AU Commission;
7. At our joint meeting here today, we commit ourselves to the development
of a stronger and more structured relationship between the UNSC and the AU PSC,
inter alia on conflict prevention, management and resolution, peacekeeping and
peace building, including Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development, as well
as sharing of information on conflict situations on the agendas of the two
bodies.
8. We express our support for the strengthening of AU capacity within the
Commission in all relevant areas, such as planning and logistics, and in
particular the establishment of a well-resourced peacekeeping capability, as
well as in the fields of conflict prevention, management and resolution.
9. We attach particular importance to the development of the African Standby
Force.
10. We agree to consider, including on the basis of the forthcoming report
from the UN Secretary-General, the modalities for supporting and improving in a
sustained way the resource base and capacity of the AU. In doing so, we will
bear in mind that in taking initiatives for the promotion of peace and security
in Africa in terms of Chapter VIII of the UN Charter the AU is also acting on
behalf of the international community, and we will examine the possibility of
the financing of a peacekeeping operation undertaken by the AU or under its
authority, as requested in the decision of the AU Assembly of Heads of State
and Government (Assembly/AU/Dec.145 (VIII)).
(Comment by Deputy Minister: This is very important because until recently
South Africa had to play a major role in funding what were African Union
operations until the United Nations would take them over as UN operations. The
UN is now seriously considering that AU operations can be funded by the UN
before this blue-hatting takes place.)
11. We agree to strengthen the relationship between all the relevant
structures of the UNSC and AU PSC, including their subsidiary bodies.
12. We agree to hold joint meetings between the UNSC and the AU PSC, at
least once a year, either in Addis Ababa or New York.
13. We express support for closer co-operation between the UN Secretariat
and the AU Commission, particularly on conflict prevention, peacekeeping and
peace building.
14. We encourage the sharing of experiences on working methods between the
two bodies.
15. We encourage close consultations between the AU and the UNSC as
decisions are being prepared on issues affecting peace and security in
Africa.
16. To further our relationship we will consider how best to improve the
effectiveness of AU and UN peace efforts in Africa and how to strengthen
co-ordination between the AU and the UN. We look forward to further joint
consideration at our next meeting.
(Comment by Deputy Minister: It is our view that this new joint communique
has strengthened the relationship between the Security Council and the African
Union in a structured way and we can only benefit from this in terms of our
conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives in
Africa.)
Sudan/Darfur
Subsequent to the Addis Ababa High Level Consultations on the situation in
Darfur of 16 November 2006, which was endorsed by the AU Peace and Security
Council Summit on Darfur on 30 November 2006 and later endorsed in the
Presidential Statement (S/PRST/2006/55) by the United Nations Security Council
- which called for a comprehensive approach to the peace process in Darfur,
including reenergising the political process, strengthening the ceasefire and
the following three phased approach:
* a light support package
* a heavy support package
* a hybrid operation.
The United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) and the Chairperson of the
African Union Commission presented a joint report to the SC of 25 May 2007. We
are all bound by this report since it is a joint report, whether or not we are
members of the Security Council.
The report inter alia states that:
Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA)
The DPA has failed to achieve its objectives of bringing peace and security
to the people of Darfur. The appointment of two Special Envoys who have been
holding consultations with all relevant parties, including the Government of
Sudan. The outcome has been that both the Government of Sudan (GoS) and other
parties have accepted that the DPA cannot be considered as a "take it or leave
it" document. However, it was also understood that the agreement would not be
re-negotiated in its entirety. The parties consulted also agreed that a
political solution is the only way forward to a lasting peace in Darfur.
DPA provisions on wealth sharing
No progress has been made with regard to the implementation of the aforesaid
provisions. Darfur Joint Assessment Mission (D-JAM) appointed to assess
development and reconstruction has suspended its work due to lack of security.
A donors pledging conference had to be postponed due to processes that have not
been finalised.
DPA provisions on Comprehensive Ceasefire and Final Security
Violation of ceasefire is still continuing and that has been due to
constraints largely related to logistics and funding as well as the lack of an
all-inclusive political process.
The importance of fragmentation of non-signatory group whose reunification
of their leaders is critical for the efforts of AU-UN Joint Mediation to bear
fruits as well as a sustainable and self enforced cease-fire.
(Comment by Deputy Minister: I raise this because it illustrates that the
matter is much more complicated than just the mere intransigence of the
Sudanese government on the matter of the joint AU-UN force.)
Funding
Funding has also been a challenge. The cost of providing the representatives
of non-signatory groups with allowances is very high for the African Union
Mission in Sudan (AMIS) - whose funding is unpredictable. To address this, the
AMIS in consultation with international partners decided to reduce the number
of representatives of the parties and that will subsequently reduce the
mission's subsistence allowances.
On the Three phased package the report states:
Light support package
Light Support Package consisted of equipment and deployment of personnel in
logistical and material support area, military staff support area, advisory
support to civilian police, as well as civilian support in the areas of mine
action. There has been a hold in the deployment of additional personnel who
have been identified and recruited. This has been due to the construction of
office facilities and living accommodations that are compliant with UN safety
and security standards in Darfur. The lack of security has also been a major
challenge with regard to the full implementation of the Light Support
Package.
Heavy Support Package (HSP)
This package consisted of military, police, mission support personnel and
equipment as well as civilian staff to provide support in a range of areas,
including civilian affairs, humanitarian liaison, public information, mine
action and support to the Darfur political process. Certain substantive
capacities of the HSP have been redesigned and will be undertaken.
A speedy implementation of this package depends on co-operation with AU by
Member States' contribution of troops and police, the agreement of the GoS on
land and water drilling in Darfur, deployment of two additional AMIS battalions
with requisite equipment as well as the restructuring of AMIS from its present
eight sector structure to three sectors. This process also depends on
international partner's support for expansion of seven AMIS camps to
accommodate the deployment of the two additional AMIS battalions, the three
sector headquarters and temporarily, HSP engineering elements.
AU-UN Hybrid Operation
The mandate of the Hybrid Operation and its tasks includes, support for
peace process and good offices; security; the rule of law, governance and human
rights and humanitarian assistance.
With regard to the structure of the Hybrid Operation, the Joint AU-UN
Special Representative (JSR), Mr Rodolphe Adada, will be the head of the
Operation. His duties will involve overall authority over the peacekeeping
mission in Darfur, oversee the implementation of its mandate and be responsible
for mission's management and functioning. A Deputy joint AU-UN Special
Representative (DJSR) as his deputy and they will both report to the AU
Commissioner for Peace and Security and the UN under Secretary-General for
Peacekeeping Operations.
The Force Commander and Police Commissioner for the Hybrid will be appointed
by the AU in consultation with UN. The Force Commander will be an African. They
will both be reporting to the JSR and their deputies will also be appointed to
assist them. The Force Commander will exercise command and control over air
support assets through the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and over mission
enablers through the Joint Logistics Operations Centre (JLOC)
With regard to command and control, while the Force Commander will be an
African, the management of the Operation will be based on the United Nations
standards, principles and established practice.
In terms of the Addis Ababa conclusions as endorsed by the 66th Abuja PSC,
it is assumed that UN Member States will consider a recommendation from the
Secretary-General to provide funding for the Hybrid Operation in Darfur through
the UN assessed budget governed by UN Financial Rules and Regulations.
Regarding the force and personnel generation, based on Addis Ababa
conclusions and the 66th Abuja PSC communique, the peacekeeping force will have
to be predominantly African. Offers from African troop and police contributing
countries (T/PCC) will therefore be considered first. However if T/PCC are
unable to meet the Hybrid force requirements, other T/PCC offers will be
considered. The final T/PCC will be agreed upon by the AU and the UN after due
consultation with the GoS. The police and force generation process will follow
United Nations General Assembly rules and regulations.
The civilian personnel will have to be hired under UN contracts and in
accordance with established UN selection and recruitment guidelines, standards
and procedures. All UN-AU personnel deployed to the Mission shall be
administered in accordance with UN rules, regulations, policies, directives and
administrative instructions as well as standard operating procedures including,
but not limited to those relating to performance, conduct and discipline
The proposed mandate of the Hybrid Operation in Darfur will be the
following:
* to contribute to the restoration of necessary security conditions for the
safe provision of humanitarian assistance and to facilitate full humanitarian
access throughout Darfur
* to contribute to the protection of civilian populations under imminent threat
of physical violence and prevent attacks against civilians, within its
capability and areas of deployment, without prejudice to the responsibility of
the Government of Sudan
* to monitor, observe compliance with and verify the implementation of various
ceasefire agreements signed since 2004, as well as assist with the
implementation of the DPA and any subsequent agreements
* to assist the political process in order to ensure it is inclusive and to
support the AU-UN Joint Mediation in its efforts to broaden and deepen
commitment to the peace process
* to contribute to a secure environment for economic reconstruction and
development as well as the sustainable return of Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) and refugees to their homes
* to contribute to the promotion of respect for and protection of human rights
and fundamental freedoms in Darfur
* to assist in the promotion of the rule of law in Darfur including through
support to strengthening an independent judiciary and the prison system and
assistance in the development and consolidation of the national legal
framework
* to monitor and report on the security situation at Sudan's borders with Chad
and the Central African Republic.
The Hybrid Operation will consist of the following component:
* political affairs component
* civil affairs component
* military component
* police component
* disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration component
* human rights component
* rule of law, judicial and prisons advisory component
* humanitarian liaison
* child protection
* gender
* HIV/AIDS support
* mine action
* public information
* safety and Security
* conduct
* mission support.
With regard to Chad and Central African Republic (CAR), the Hybrid Operation
will establish civilian military liaison offices there for co-ordination with
Chadian and CAR authorities in the border region as well as AU-UN offices in
these countries. Chad and Sudan should be encouraged to respect each other's
territorial sovereignty and should implement the existing agreement of
non-aggression. Regional actors should also use their influence over some rebel
groups to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Need to sustain the AMIS operation and urges Member States to find a viable
and sustained solution to AMIS's financial problems in the context of
deployment of the hybrid operation.
Lack of infrastructure and geographical conditions also poses logistical
challenges for the peacekeeping presence to be deployed in time in Darfur.
The Operation will function separately from the United Nations Mission in
the Sudan (UNMIS), but there will be a liaison component between UNMIS and the
Hybrid Operation so as to ensure complementary of efforts between the AU and UN
in respect of DPA and Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Also that there will
be liaison arrangements between the Hybrid Operation and Special Envoys of the
UN and AU. The report also highlights that the Operation will function
separately from the humanitarian operations.
Reaction of the UNSC
We are pleased that the United Nations Security Council on Friday, 25 May
2007 welcomed the report of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the
African Union Commission on the hybrid operation in Darfur and also noted that
this agreement is an important development in the comprehensive approach to the
peace process in Darfur.
The Security Council also called for the full implementation without delay
of the United Nations light and heavy support packages of assistance to AMIS,
as well as for the report of the Secretary-General and Chairperson of the
African Union Commission on the hybrid operation to be considered and taken
forward immediately.
It also demanded that all parties must meet their international obligations,
support the political process, end violence against civilians and attacks on
peacekeepers and facilitate humanitarian relief.
South Africa believes that this proposal is largely in line with the
previous agreements, resolutions and communiques (i.e. Addis Ababa high-level
meeting, summit level meeting of AU PSC, etc).
We welcome the progress that has been made with regard to the Light Support
Package and should call for a speedy implementation of the Heavy Support
Package which is incidentally, the deployment of at least 3 000 African troops
� this is being held back by the lack of funding. We therefore call on the
international community to urgently provide funding for implementation of this
phase.
South Africa urges the Member States to provide funding for the Hybrid
Operation in Darfur through the UN assessed budget.
South Africa urges both the GoS and rebel groups to adhere to the ceasefire
agreements as this will be of assistance in protecting the civilians.
South Africa commends the peacekeeping mission provided by AMIS in Darfur
and should support the call towards strengthening and sustaining AU mission
(AMIS) in Darfur as the implementation of proposed Operation will not happen
overnight.
Acceptance by Sudanese government of Hybrid Force
"The Sudanese leadership, at the level of the President of the Republic, has
confirmed that the State of Sudan is committed to all the agreements signed �
including the recent agreement signed in Addis Ababa on a hybrid operation in
Darfur," Sudan's Foreign Minister, Lam Akol, told reporters.
"The President of the Republic has made it clear that the ball is now in the
court of the United Nations," he added.
The United Nations Security Council also visited Sudan, the purpose of which
was to reaffirm the Council's commitment to the sovereignty, unity and
territorial integrity of Sudan while encouraging its Government and other
parties to engage constructively in the Darfur peace process.
In addition the aim was to "achieve without delay, full agreement" on
deploying the hybrid operation. The Council also "came to encourage all parties
here to fully implement the ceasefire agreement," the delegation said.
Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry of the United Kingdom said the Security Council
would seek financing for the force from the UN's regular peacekeeping budget,
meaning that the cost would be borne by all UN Member States.
"We all laid heavy emphasis in two long constructive meetings and over
lunch" on the hybrid force with emphasis on the need "to accelerate the
implementation and get that in place as soon as possible," he said.
Stressing that "there isn't going to be an enduring peace unless there is a
political settlement," he said Council members called for accelerated efforts
on that front. "The Government confirmed its commitment to pursue that, and I
quote the Minister, 'aggressively' � meaning that the Government is fully
committed to it."
Sudanese officials also provided "certain assurances" on humanitarian access
to those in need.
On the need for a ceasefire, Ambassador Jones Parry said the Council members
stressed that Government "should exercise a measure of self-restraint faced
with lots of temptations given the performance of the rebels."
We do believe as the Secretary-General has said that there are positive
developments that must be encouraged to continue. It is therefore quite
surprising that we continue to hear strident calls for sanctions. We do believe
that such actions will not support the processes in any way and only serve to
hinder what progress has been made. We therefore call on all countries calling
for sanctions to read the Secretary-General's report and statements and to give
more support to the processes.
Sudan leader scoffs at Darfur sanctions
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said on Tuesday, 19 June 2007 he was not
concerned by the prospect of more US sanctions, saying existing ones had helped
his country to stand on its own two feet.
Security Situation in Sudan
The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) said the security situation in
the southern Darfur town of Gereida has not improved and militia attacks
against civilians, especially women, are continuing.
UNMIS conducted the visit to Gereida to follow up on the Darfur Peace
Agreement's effect on the overall security situation, livelihoods and tribal
reconciliation, according to a news bulletin issued by the Mission.
The UNMIS team found that Janjaweed attacks outside towns were ongoing and
women were still subject to rape and harassment.
In a related development, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed
France's offer to airlift life-saving humanitarian assistance to a growing
number of Sudanese refugees and displaced Chadians living in an "increasingly
precarious situation."
"With the onset of the rainy season, thousands of refugees and internally
displaced people will face even greater hardship. This airlift will help avoid
any critical gaps in our operation to feed thousands of people," said WFP
Executive Director Josette Sheeran.
WFP aimed to pre-position a six-month supply of food to feed 240,000
Sudanese refugees in 12 camps and 150 000 internally displaced persons (IDPs)
in eastern Chad through the rainy season from June to November. So far, it has
managed to build four months of food stocks.
Cote d'Ivoire
The Security Council delegation visiting Africa wrapped up its visit on
Tuesday, 19 June 2007 to Cote d'Ivoire, where the role of the United Nations in
staging elections scheduled for later this year was the focus of discussions
with the leaders of the divided West African country.
The delegation held talks with President Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister
Guillaume Soro.
Both leaders stressed that the UN which operates a peacekeeping mission in
Cote d'Ivoire should remain involved in the country, to certify the
identification process, help in the organisation of elections and to implement
the peace agreement reached in March 2007.
That accord, known as the Ouagadougou Peace Agreement, sets out a series of
measures to deal with the political divide in Cote d'Ivoire, which has been
split between the Government-controlled south and the rebel Forces
Nouvelles-held north since 2002.
Among other steps, the agreement calls for creating a new transitional
government, organising free and fair presidential elections, and merging the
Forces Nouvelles and the national defence and security forces through the
establishment of an integrated command centre.
It also calls for dismantling the militias, disarming ex-combatants and
enrolling them in civil services programmes, as well as replacing the so-called
zone of confidence separating north and south with a green line to be monitored
by the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI).
The Security Council delegation and the Ivorian officials discussed the
modalities of how the UN can assist the process leading up to elections
scheduled for later this year, as well as the elections themselves.
As you are aware, President Mbeki held discussions with Prime Minister Soros
in Cape Town yesterday 20 June 2007. He briefed the President on progress
regarding the transitional processes, to thank the President for his support of
the peace process and to invite President Mbeki to the Ceremony of the Flame in
Bouake.
The Ivorians have started the process of deploying magistrates to issue
birth certificates and cards to the citizens to start the identification
process by the end of June 2007.
Since 18th June, Prefects have been deployed to all territories.
There is agreement that the UN will oversee the electoral process and to
validate them.
The key issue of whether the UN Higher Representative should continue to
deal with the issues or whether this task should be transferred to the Special
Representative of the Secretary-General is expected to be discussed by the
Security Council and a decision will be taken after consultations with the
Mediator, President Blaise Compoare.
Burundi
South Africa welcomes the agreement in Dar es Salaam on 17 June between the
President of Burundi Pierre Nkurunziza, and leader of the Palipehutu-FNL
Agathon Rwasa concerning the implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire
Agreement. South Africa urges both parties to maintain the progress made in Dar
es Salaam to allow for the earliest recovery and consolidation of peace.
The UN Secretary-General also welcomed the agreement and expressed his deep
thanks to Tanzania, South Africa and the African Union for their valuable
contributions to the peace process, and assures the people of Burundi that the
United Nations will continue to support their efforts to bring lasting peace to
Burundi.
Somalia
The situation remains very volatile and tense.
The South African government however, welcomes the news that the Somali
government has announced that they will pardon suspected insurgents and release
those detained in connection with recent fighting in a move to encourage
national reconciliation: "The amnesty is intended to allow those who fought the
government directly or indirectly to come out and participate in the
reconciliation process," Justice Minister Hassan Dhimbil Warsame told reporters
on 19 June.
The pardon was announced in a presidential decree on 18 June. "The aim is to
reduce lingering animosity caused by the fighting between the insurgents and
Ethiopian-backed government forces."
The decision, which follows the postponement of the national reconciliation
conference from 14 July to 15 July, does not cover those who "engage in
international terrorism."
While the South African government welcomes this amnesty, we are concerned
that attempts to find a political solution are continuously stalled, since to
find a political solution is the only viable way forward.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Somalia, Fran�ois
Fall, welcomed the amnesty, saying it was "a good decision and a step in the
right direction." However, he said, the government needed to take it further
and allow more people to participate in the reconciliation process that will
culminate in the national conference due to be held in the capital of
Mogadishu.
Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) oppose reconciliation conference
The much anticipated Somalia national reconciliation conference may not take
place after all because of inter-clan suspicion and the demand by the ousted
Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) that it must be held on neutral grounds.
As the conference failed to take place for the second time, a communique was
issued by UIC leaders in Doha, Qatar, on 7 June during a two day conference, in
which the UIC insisted that there would be no genuine reconciliation until
Ethiopian troops left Somalia.
The two-day Doha conference, organised by a lobby group, the Foreign
Interventions and the Future of the Horn of Africa was attended by UIC leaders
led by the chairman Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Somali parliamentarians led by
the former speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan and representatives of the Somali
diaspora.
Among other issues, the conference said the reconciliation conference in
Somalia called by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was part of a wider
campaign of fragmenting the Somali society so as to cement the occupation by
Ethiopian forces.
"Under no circumstances can any legitimate meeting be held under Ethiopian
occupation," the communique said. "While the reconciliation conference is a
national demand, it must be based on a national agenda and should be held at a
neutral venue in which all concerned parties can participate with a sense of
security.
Such a conference should deal with the political differences among Somali
clans to decide the future of the country and the destiny of the nation," it
added.
The Doha conference accused Ethiopia of being an occupying force that has
committed atrocities, looting, mass displacement and rape, besides arguing that
the high-handedness of the Ethiopian troops is responsible for the destruction
and spread of violence and instability in the Horn of Africa.
The conference demanded that the UN Security Council take responsibility for
the affected and displaced persons and punish those who obstruct relief aid
from reaching them and called for the establishment a Somali national movement
"for the liberation of the country from the foreign occupation" by all
legitimate means available.
The Ethiopian embassy in Nairobi, maintained that the UIC has no say in the
reconciliation process and that Ethiopia is in Somalia at the invitation of the
TFG, which is the legitimate government recognised by the AU, UN and the
Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad).
"Ethiopia is committed to withdrawal despite requests by the international
community to stay longer in order not to create a vacuum. We will go by our
agreement with the TFG because we are there to train the police and other
security agents. That is why we have opened an embassy in Mogadishu."
Somalia presidential spokesperson shot
Somalia's presidential spokesperson was shot twice at close range in the
latest assassination attempt on government officials Somalia officials said on
Tuesday, 19 June 2007.
"He was shot in the neck and near the jaw," a security source said. "I think
the gunman was aiming for the head. He wanted to eliminate him."
He is reported to be in a stable condition and was to be flown to Nairobi
for treatment.
UN Security Council Presidential Statement
"The Security Council reiterates its support for the National Reconciliation
Congress as a mechanism for much-needed political dialogue and reconciliation
in Somalia. The Security Council calls on the Transitional Federal Government
(TFG) and the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee to ensure that
the Congress convenes as soon as practicable. The Security Council appreciates
the efforts of Member States and partners to support the early convening of the
Congress and calls for further support. The Security Council underscores the
importance of the Congress:
* addressing in a comprehensive and meaningful manner issues of political
reconciliation, including representation in the Transitional Federal
Institutions
* agreeing a road map for the remainder of the transitional political process,
in line with the Transitional Federal Charter and as laid out in the Roadmap to
Governance, National Dialogue, and Reconciliation in Somalia of 14 March
2007.
"The Security Council expresses its grave concern regarding the recent
pattern of attacks by extremist elements in Somalia, including the increased
use of explosive devices, and condemns all attempts to use violence to
undermine the political process and prevent the early convening of the National
Reconciliation Congress. The Security Council calls on all Member States to
cease immediately any further support for extremist elements or those who seek
to block progress by violent means, and to support the ongoing efforts towards
inclusive political dialogue. The Security Council recalls its readiness, as
set out in its resolution 1744 (2007), to consider measures against those who
block progress in the political process and threaten the Transitional Federal
Institutions.
"The Security Council condemns the attack on the Prime Minister on 3 June
2007 and the attack on the forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia
(AMISOM) in Mogadishu on 16 May 2007. The Security Council expresses its
deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.
"The Security Council underlines its appreciation for the efforts of the
Ugandan forces currently deployed in Mogadishu under AMISOM and Uganda's
invaluable contribution to peace and stability in Somalia. The Security Council
reiterates its call on Member States of the African Union to contribute troops
for AMISOM, and on other States and partners to provide financial, technical
and logistical support for this effort.
"The Security Council emphasises the urgent need for appropriate contingency
planning for a possible United Nations mission, to be deployed in Somalia if
the Security Council decided to authorise such a mission. The Security Council
looks forward to receiving the report from the Secretary-General regarding
progress in this regard by mid-June.
"The Security Council emphasises again the need for strengthened efforts to
provide humanitarian relief assistance to Somalia, including assistance to the
hundreds of thousands of displaced persons, urges Member States to support
generously such operations, and demands that all parties ensure unfettered
access for humanitarian assistance."
Western Sahara
As you will recall, UN Security Council Resolution 1754 (2007) on Western
Sahara called on the Secretary-General to initiate direct negotiations between
all the parties.
South Africa is happy to note that the Secretary-General convened
negotiations between the parties in New York from 18 to 19 June. The
negotiations were facilitated by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy Peter
Walsum.
The South African government welcomes talks carried out under United Nations
auspices on Western Sahara last week outside of New York, with the
participation of representatives of the parties � Morocco and the Frente
Polisario � along with neighbours Algeria and Mauritania.
The South African government agrees with the comments of the
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B Lynn Pascoe that said today
(opening of the meeting) marked the beginning of a new phase in the search for
a solution on Western Sahara.
He urged the parties to proceed in good faith and to establish an atmosphere
of mutual trust, and expressed the UN's firm commitment to assist in the
negotiations, Ms Montas said.
Mr Pascoe stressed that the stalemate is becoming "intolerable" and that the
dispute over Western Sahara must be brought to a conclusion through "a mutually
agreed solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of
Western Sahara."
The Secretary-General will report to the Council by 30 June with regard to
the status and progress of negotiations.
In a communique issued after the talks, van Walsum said the parties had
agreed to continue their negotiations in Manhasset in the second week of
August.
Comores
Minister Dlamini Zuma will, following the Ministerial meeting of the African
Union Countries of the Region on Comores in Cape Town earlier this week, in her
capacity as the Chair of the Committee lead a delegation to Comores on
Saturday, 23 June 2007.
The objective of this visit will be mainly to discuss the current
developments in the Comores as well as to prepare for Presidential
elections.
Middle East
The South African government is deeply concerned about recent developments
in occupied Palestine.
The military take over of Gaza by Hamas and the wanton destruction of
property cannot be justified. The invasion and ransacking of the late President
Arafat's house is inexplicable and it is difficult to understand how any
genuine Palestinian patriot could have been party to such activities. We are
very concerned that the fighting in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 210
Palestinians and over 900 wounded.
A report to the UN Security Council indicates there have been many grave
violations of humanitarian and human rights law including attacks on hospitals.
We believe this cannot be in the interests of the Palestinian people. We
therefore fully support the view of the UN Security Council that these actions
are unacceptable.
The South African government urges Hamas to end the military occupation of
Gaza.
President Mbeki speaking in Parliament last week called on the Palestinians
to end the fratricide and went on to say, "The victory (the emergence of a
Palestinian State) is not possible on the basis of an internal war for
hegemony, fought by the powerless to gain power over the powerless, at great
cost to the masses that have placed their hopes in the hands of the leadership
of both Fatah and Hamas. The incontrovertible truth is that a just peace with
Israel is not possible when Palestine cannot make peace with itself."
According to the Palestinian Basic Law, the President of the National
Authority has the right to declare a state of emergency, to dissolve government
and institute an emergency government. This emergency government must however
be ratified by two thirds of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) if the
President wishes it to continue its tenure longer than 30 days it now legally
has.
Democratically elected President Abbas, using the basic law, has declared a
State of Emergency and formed a new Palestinian Cabinet.
New Palestinian Cabinet
Salam Fayyad: Prime minister, finance and foreign affairs
Abdel Razak Yehiyeh: Interior, civil affairs
Ziad Abdullah Bandak: Agriculture, local government
Khouloud Khalil Deibes: Tourism and women Affairs
Mohammed Kamal Hasouneh: Economy, public works, telecommunications
Lamis Al-Alami: Education and culture
Samir Abdullah: Labour
Dr Abdullah Al-Murghi: Health
Riyad Al-Malki: Justice and information
Sheik Jamal Mohammed Bawatneh: Religious and social affairs
Mashhour Abu Daqqa: Transport
Ashraf Eid Al-Ajrami: Prisoner affairs, youth and sports
The South African government urges the President and the new Cabinet to take
steps to bring about peace and security in Gaza and work towards attaining the
unity of Gaza and the West Bank.
We also call on the governments of Egypt, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia and the Arab League who have been instrumental in efforts to end the
factional violence in Palestine to spare no effort to ensure the return of
peace and the rule of law in Gaza.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has invited Prime Minister Ehud Olmert,
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan's King Abdullah II to
attend a summit in Egypt early next week.
A senior aide to President Abbas, Rabbo said today Thursday, 21 June 2007
that the Palestinians demanded concrete results from the gathering, and warned
that if it ended without results, it would cause more harm than good.
Another senior aide to President Abbas, Saeb Erakat said that President
Abbas will call for a resumption of peace talks with Israel at the Summit,
arguing that only progress toward Palestinian statehood can serve as a true
buffer against Hamas.
"The most important thing is to realise is that time is of the essence,"
Erakat said. "We need to deliver the end of occupation, a Palestinian state. If
we don't have hope, Hamas will export despair to the people."
As immediate steps, Erakat said, President Abbas will ask Israel to remove
West Bank checkpoints that disrupt daily life and trade and to transfer
hundreds of millions of dollars in Palestinian tax funds Israel froze after
Hamas came to power last year.
Comments by UN Secretary-General
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern on Tuesday, 19 June 2007 about
the continuing humanitarian problems in the Gaza Strip as he held talks by
telephone with Middle East leaders - Prime Minister Salam Fayyad of the
Palestinian National Authority, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and
Jordanian Foreign Minister Daoud Khattab - about the ongoing crisis in the
region.
During those talks Mr Ban and the leaders discussed the humanitarian
situation inside Gaza, where recent fighting between members of the Fatah and
Hamas movements has left dozens of people dead and severely hampered
international relief operations, which a large segment of the local population
depends on for daily sustenance.
The discussions also focused on security and political issues, with Mr Ban
reaffirming his support for Mr Abbas and the need for a two-State solution in
the Middle East, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and
security.
In an extraordinary meeting held on 15 June 2007, the Arab League decided,
amongst other issues, to "respect the Palestinian national legitimacy under the
leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as to respect the legitimate
institutions of the Palestinian National Authority stemming from the PLO,
including the elected Palestinian Legislative Council; and to adhere to a
unified Palestinian stance in order to protect the rights of the Palestinian
people that have been put at risk."
Statement of the Quartet
Following is the text of the statement by the Quartet Principals - Russian
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov; US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; United
Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; High Representative for European Union
Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana; German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter
Steinmeier; and European Commissioner for External Relations Benita
Ferrero-Waldner - on their 15 June telephone call:
In a telephone call on 15 June, Quartet Principals shared their deep concern
over the welfare and security of all Palestinians -- especially those in Gaza,
whose lives have been most seriously affected by the ongoing crisis. The
Quartet expressed its support for efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of
Palestinians and called for respect for the human rights of all those in Gaza
and the safety and security of international workers. It called for an urgent
end to the violence, and the co-operation of all parties to ensure appropriate
security and access conditions for the passage of humanitarian goods and
personnel both within the Gaza Strip and at key crossing points.
The Quartet expressed understanding and support for President Abbas'
decisions to dissolve the Cabinet and declare an emergency, given the grave
circumstances. The Quartet recognized the necessity and legitimacy of these
decisions, taken under Palestinian law, and welcomed President Abbas' stated
intention to consult the Palestinian people at the appropriate time. The
Quartet noted its continuing support for other legitimate Palestinian
institutions.
The Quartet supports the efforts of responsible regional states to help calm
the situation, and will continue to promote a negotiated, comprehensive, just
and lasting Middle East peace in line with relevant UN Security Council
resolutions.
Western powers vow to back Abbas government
Western powers said on Monday, 18 June 2007 they would end a 15-month-old
embargo on the Palestinians.
Abbas told US President George Bush by phone that the time had arrived to
resume serious peace talks.
"The government will pursue its jurisdiction over all parts of the homeland,
regardless of what happened in Gaza," Abbas's Information Minister, Riyad
al-Malki, told reporters after the new government met in the West Bank city of
Ramallah.
Humanitarian catastrophe
This violence has meant that Gaza is being totally strangled. The UN World
Food Programme on Tuesday, 19 June 2007 sent its first shipment of food aid
into Gaza since the latest wave of unrest, which forced many aid agencies to
suspend operations and Israel to close border crossings.
Two trucks carrying 51 metric tons of food have crossed the border between
Israel and Gaza and more are expected to follow later today.
WFP has warned that commercial food stocks in Gaza are depleting quickly,
with stocks having already run out in some areas, due in part to panic buying
of stable goods, and expected to run extremely low in other areas within two
weeks.
Despite the effort a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Gaza.
The South African government urges the Israeli government to lift the severe
restrictions of the freedom of movement of the Palestinians and release
Palestinian tax funds.
The South African government also urges the international community to lift
sanctions.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Iran
There have been no major developments but we look forward to the meeting of
the EU Foreign Policy Advisor Javier Solana and Mr Larijani, the Chief Iranian
Nuclear Negotiator on Saturday, 23 June 2007.
Questions and answers
Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, regarding South Africa's mediation in
Zimbabwe � is it correct that talks will resume in Pretoria on Friday? Can you
give us an indication of what is happening with the talks?
Answer: As the Department of Foreign Affairs, we are not aware of any
meeting that has taken place. We know from the newspaper reports, and if you
look at page 1 of The Star today, that sources from Zimbabwe have indicated
that a meeting did take place and that agreement has been reached on the agenda
items.
My only knowledge has come from the article on page 1 of The Star. This is
all I am aware of and all I can confirm.
It is however clear that, despite our commitment to not discuss the
processes, that information is being leaked.
President Mbeki is scheduled to brief SADC at the end of the month according
to media reports. I suspect this meeting will take place on the fringes of the
AU Summit in Ghana.
Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, just for clarity, are you saying that you
definitely did not sit in on any talks?
Answer: That is what I am saying.
Question: Deputy Minister Pahad, there are reports from Portuguese media
that the Portuguese Foreign Minister has said that Zimbabwe would not be
welcome to participate in the EU-Africa Summit at the end of the year. What is
your view on this matter?
Answer: We are looking for more clarity on this matter from the Portuguese
Foreign Minister. As you know, Minister Dlamini Zuma did meet with the Foreign
Minister recently and also held discussions with the EU Troika in Brussels and
the matter of the Summit to be held in Lisbon in December was discussed.
Question: Deputy Minister, is it your determination that Zimbabwe should be
at the Summit?
Answer: As you know, since the Cairo Summit no further Summit has taken
place because of Europe's insistence that President Mugabe not attend. The
decision of the African Union, and prior to that the Organisation of African
Unity (OAU), is that it would be incorrect for our delegation to be determined
by others.
There are so many issues that we need to discuss between Africa and the
Europeans but we should not impose conditions. If the matter of Zimbabwe is
such an emotive one for so many countries, then we believe it should be on the
agenda of the meetings.
Question: Deputy Minister, has South Africa been approached by the UN for
additional troops to the UN Force or the AMIS?
Answer: Given the constraints on our own resources we are in constant touch
through our Ministries of Defence. We will, if we have the capacity, see how we
can best contribute to the hybrid force.
Question: Deputy Minister, regarding Sudan � is it realistic that all 17 000
of the troops for the hybrid force will be African?
Answer: There is a general feeling, especially with the participation of
North Africa, that Africa can manage to supply the 17 000 troops. Failing this,
we will have to look at our options. I think there is no objection to troops
coming from Latin America and Asia. This matter is being discussed by the
Secretary-General and his Special Envoy.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
21 June 2007
