Speaker, Mr President, thank you for your answer. Following the reply, the problem of the reconstruction of Libya and of peace is still going to be very hard. A hard road lies ahead.
We have read much about the joint letter between the US, UK and France, about their interest in the Libyan question. I want to ask a question in relation to the reconstruction. I know that South Africa said they were outmanoeuvred with the resolution in 1973.
The question is: When you engage with them in the forums, maybe at a UN meeting, are they prepared to put resources into the reconstruction of Libya, particularly those forces that had an interest in Gadaffi's permanent removal? What would they say when you engage with them about the real reconstruction of Libya, going forward?
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Speaker, firstly, just to correct the speaker on the other point. South Africa was not outmanoeuvred. There was an abuse of the UN Security Council Resolution of 1973. [Applause.] South Africa was not outmanoeuvred. I just want to correct that. If that is the impression, it is a wrong impression. Big forces abused a resolution that was very clear.
With regard to reconstruction, they are certainly very keen to ensure the reconstruction. I think there was specific interest from the countries that got involved in Libya. Of course, they said that Libya had sufficient funds. The funds they are talking about are the funds the hon member asked to be released, the funds that were frozen. They believe that they have sufficient funds that could be used for the reconstruction.
I cannot give details on what else will happen because there has been a bombardment that devastated cities and there certainly will be a lot of activities to reconstruct. I am sure that the people who were bombing will be the same people who will participate in the reconstruction.
The Libyan money which was frozen will be used. If there are any shortages they will follow the usual procedures that countries do to ensure that they get the money. They say that Libya has enough resources to reconstruct itself. Thank you.
South Africans to desist from xenophobic attitudes
16. Mr J B Sibanyoni (ANC) asked the President of the Republic:
What steps does the government intend to take to ensure that South Africans (a) appreciate the hospitality that was afforded our exiles in the past and (b) desist from xenophobic attitudes towards people from neighbouring countries? NO4030E