We'll now proceed with the questions as printed on the Order Paper. We are dealing with the Peace and Security cluster today. Just before we start, the Deputy Minister of International Relations has requested to start. He, unfortunately, has another engagement. That is a request that came to my office.
Normally this thing gives me a problem, hon members, particularly from the other members of the executive, but I hope you won't mind if I start with him. Is it okay?
Hon Minister, just before you start responding, are you ready to respond? It is fine. I was just letting other members of the executive know that there was a request because they were supposed to answer before you; they must not be surprised.
Hon members, where is the Whip of the DA? The member who asked these questions to the Deputy Minister - you may sit down - the member is not in the House. You remember the Rule I read the last time. If I may remind you, it is Rule 236 (5), which says that if a member does not rise when he is called, the question will lapse, unless the Minister chooses to reply.
The member has notified neither me nor the Chief Whip that he is not going to be in the House. Now, you can stand up when you talk.
Hon Chair, he has apologised and I have confirmed it. Maybe it has not arrived at the right place. However, I will accept your ruling.
Hon Minister, that is the Rule. The member is not in the House. The choice of whether you want to respond to the question or not is yours.
Yes, Chair, I would like to respond.
You may continue, Deputy Minister. That is Question 8 on the Order Paper. It has been asked by Mr Groenewald to the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation.
Call for resignation of President Gaddafi by SA government and reconciliation of SA's commitment to human rights and democracy with continued killing of Libyan citizens allegedly by President Gaddafi
8. Mr H B Groenewald (DA) asked the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation:
(1) Whether, in light of the alleged killing of more than 1 000 protesters by the government of Libya, the SA government will call for the resignation of President Gaddafi; if not, why not; if so, when;
(2) whether she will reconcile South Africa's commitment to human rights and democracy with the continued killing of Libyan citizens allegedly by President Gaddafi's government; if so, how?