QUOTE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION NO: 294
(NW372E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO4-2012 OF 24 FEBRUARY
2012
Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and
Cooperation:
(1)
Whether the Government intends supporting sanctions against Iran; if not,
what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2)
whether the Government intends to call for disinvestment of South African
companies that are invested in Iran; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant
details;
(3)
whether the Government will review its diplomatic relations with Iran in light of
its (a) mounting nuclear production and (b) the stifling of human rights; if not,
why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW372E
REPLY:
(1)
As a member of the United Nations, South Africa is obliged to
implement United Nations Security Council sanctions that have been imposed
on any UN member state. The Government of South Africa does not
subscribe to unilateral sanctions as an instrument of its international relations.
(2)
No, South Africa believes in finding a diplomatic solution to the
challenges faced by Iran.
(3)
The Government has no reason to review its diplomatic relations with
Iran. South Africa believes in constructive engagement with Iran in order to
address the areas of concern, which includes its nuclear programme and
human rights, within the context of its Joint Commission and through the
exchange of high-level visits. The Government of South Africa has no
intention to severe diplomatic relations with Iran, as its convinced that ongoing
engagement with Iran is important, in the context of South Africa’s foreign
policy.
UNQUOTE