Col Gaddafi is the leader of the Libyan Revolutionary Command Council. Libya has no formal constitution and Col Gaddafi has been leading the country on the principle of people-driven governance called the Jamahiriya system. South Africa has condemned the use of force leading to the loss of lives in Libya. South Africa has not called for the resignation of the Libyan leader as it subscribes to the international principle of no intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries.
South Africa issued a statement on 21 February 2011, noting great concern for the loss of lives, following antigovernment demonstrations in Libya. Furthermore, South Africa called on the government and the people of Libya to seek a speedy and peaceful resolution to the current crisis in accordance with the will of the people.
The United Nations, UN, condemned the violence and use of force against the civilians; deplored the repression against demonstrators and expressed deep regret at the death of hundreds of civilians. They called for an immediate end to the violence and for steps to address the legitimate demands of the population, including through national dialogue.
South Africa supported the UN resolution which further complemented the decision of the African Union, AU, Peace and Security Council condemning the indiscriminate and excessive use of force against peaceful protesters. South Africa called upon the Libyan authorities to end, forthwith, all acts of violence in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Thank you, Chairperson.
Hon Chairperson, the question that I want to pose to the Deputy Minister is: What is the South African government's viewpoint on a request that Libya must become a no-fly zone? Thank you.
The matter of a no-fly zone is being discussed today in Brussels. We do not know the practicalities of a no-fly zone. There are lots of different opinions internationally on whether such a move will be effective and whether it will contribute to stopping the violence and the resolution of the conflict in Libya. So, the matter is neither here nor there, as we have not been asked to express any opinion. We are not involved in implementing any no-fly zone in that area, but we feel that any action that is taken against Libya should have the endorsement of the UN Security Council. We would not encourage unilateral action outside the UN Security Council. Thank you.
Hon Chair, through you to the hon Deputy Minister: In light of the press reports about the communication that is taking place between President Zuma and Col Gaddafi, and in light of your earlier comment that we don't get involved in the internal affairs of other countries, what then was the purpose of this telephone call, if it wasn't to get involved in the internal affairs of that country?
Yes, there was a telephone call from Col Gaddafi to our President, President Zuma. He wanted to inform our President about the current situation, giving his point of view. Our President said quite clearly that the violence should stop and he condemned the military action against unarmed civilians. He pointed out that we are part and parcel of the UN Security Council resolution.
When I say we should not interfere in the internal affairs, we mean that it is not for South Africa to decide who the leader of Libya should be. It is for the Libyan people themselves to decide. Obviously, we are concerned where there are human rights violations. We have expressed ourselves time and again on issues of human rights violation. We must realise that Libya is a sovereign country. It is not for us to dictate to the Libyan people who should be the leader and president of Libya, but it's for them to decide. Thank you.
Details relating to election results in Ivory Coast
9. Mr H B Groenewald (DA) asked the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation:
(1) Why the election results in Ivory Coast are deemed to be inconclusive as stated at a press conference on 17 February 2011;
(2) whether the SA government will recognise a certain person (name furnished) as the winner of the election; if not, why not; if so, when;
(3) whether the SA government has met with a certain person (name furnished) following the declaration of the election results; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) where, (b) when and (c) what were the outcomes of the meeting;
(4) whether she will reconcile the government's commitment to human rights and democracy in Africa with the decision of the said person not to respect the election results; if not, what steps is the government taking to ensure that the results are respected; if so, what are the relevant details?