3. Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the President of the Republic:
Given the history of this country where people who were fighting for freedom were killed by an undemocratic regime, what are the reasons for his government's initial silence when the regime of Colonel M Gaddafi killed hundreds of people who were rising up against his regime?
Reply:
Honourable Members,
South Africa does not operate in a vacuum on international matters. It operates within the ambit of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations.
We regarded the Libyan situation very seriously from the beginning and Government has not been silent or inactive on this matter.
We began engaging with other Heads of State and Government on this matter when events started unfolding, as we were very concerned about the situation.
The South African government has also spoken out on various platforms on this matter. We called on all parties involved to exercise restraint in order to prevent further loss of life.
We also called on the Government and people of Libya to seek a speedy and peaceful resolution to the current crisis in accordance with the will of the people.
Furthermore, on 26 February 2011 at the United Nations Security Council, the South African government, through its Permanent Representative, Ambassador Baso Sangqu, condemned the loss of civilian lives in Libya.
The Minister and Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation as well as other Government representatives have also spoken out on the loss of life in various public forums.
We have also expressed our views directly to the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gadaffi, regarding the unacceptable violence and loss of civilian lives.
The AU is seized with the matter and South Africa will work under the guidance and leadership of the AU.
The AU has appointed a High Level Panel consisting of Uganda, South Africa, Republic of Congo, Mauritania and Mali to attend to the matter.
Given the urgency of the matter, the Panel has begun its work.
Source: The Presidency
