PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
Description: PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE DIRCOs Foreign Policy perspective on the recent developments in the Middle East, including the proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank PRESENTED BY: AMBASSADOR Z. MAKINA CHIEF
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slide1. PRESENTATION
TO
PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
DIRCO’s Foreign Policy perspective on the recent developments in the Middle East, including the proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank
PRESENTED BY: AMBASSADOR Z. MAKINA CHIEF DIRECTOR: MIDDLE EAST
DATE: 19 August 2020 1<br>
slide2. THE MIDDLE EAST REGION 2<br>
slide3. INTRODUCTION Introductory Remarks
Structure of presentation:
Part I: Overview of the current developments affecting the Middle East Region
Part II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region 3<br>
slide4. PART I: Overview of the current developments affecting the Middle East Region Effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 globally, including the ME
United Nations call for cessation of hostilities; humanitarian pause of 90 consecutive days
Despite this call, aggression remains:
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Syria
Yemen
Iran
Blockade against Qatar
Economic effect of COVID-19 on Middle East 4<br>
slide5. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict)
17 May 2020: formation of new Israeli Government by PM Netanyahu, introduction of renewed Annexation Plan
Dovetailed with President Trump’s so-called Peace Plan: permanent colonisation of Palestinian land; Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal and undivided capital: breach of UN Charter, UNSC Resolution 2334 (2016) and other international legal provisions
Other initiatives of Trump Administration: further deadlock of MEPP, moving of US Embassy to Jerusalem, recognition of Israeli “sovereignty” over Golan Heights, closure of PLO Office in Washington and tacit approval for accelerated expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. 5<br>
slide6. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict, cont.)
Briefing by United Nations Special Coordinator for the ME, 20 July 2020
Escalating health crisis as both struggle to contain the rapid spike of COVID-19 cases;
A spiralling economic crisis as businesses close, unemployment soars, protests increase and the economy suffers the financial impact of months of lockdowns and restrictions; and
A mounting political confrontation, driven by the threat of Israeli annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank, and the steps taken in response by the Palestinian leadership. 6<br>
slide7. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict, cont.)
SA Position
Inalienable right of the Palestinian people for self-determination and independence
No military solution to the conflict and that peaceful negotiation is the only means of ensuring lasting peace, prosperity, security and stability; and
As a member of the UN Security Council, it will also continue to engage that the UNSC discharge its mandate and do its part to prevent such a dangerous move, and promote the early resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the land-for-peace principle and the Arab Peace Initiative. 7<br>
slide8. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict, cont.)
SA Position (cont.)
Independence of Palestine under the two-state solution, based on the international recognition and independence of the viable State of Palestine, based on the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, existing peacefully as independent states.
Outstanding final status issues must be resolved through direct negotiations between the parties, with support from the international community. 8<br>
slide9. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Syria
Conflict has been raging since 2011 with thousands of people who have died, been injured and been displaced.
Interference of outside role-players, including foreign powers and armed groups, compounded and prolonged the war; battlefield for geopolitical rivalry and the ambitions of terrorist groups.
Conflict heading towards final stages
Syrian parties, as well as all international role-players must commit to a peaceful settlement based on the commitments made including the Roadmap agreed upon in Security Council resolution 2254 of 2015. 9<br>
slide10. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Syria (Cont.)
SA position
Parties to work towards permanent ceasefire paving the way for enabling environment, for an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue, aimed at achieving a lasting political solution, reflective of the will of the Syrian people
United Nations Security Council efforts to finding lasting solution to end the conflict in Syria, must be supported.
South Africa encouraged by reported agreement by Government and Opposition sectors of the Constitutional Committee to reconvene in August 2020 at the earliest, should the COVID-19 travel restrictions be lifted, which will be the start of a vital political process, to build trust and confidence amongst the parties committed to this process. 10<br>
slide11. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Syria (Cont.)
SA position
Political and humanitarian tracks in Syria are interlinked; SA therefore, calls on all stakeholders to promote progress in both tracks to ensure a sustainable and peaceful settlement to the conflict.
Only path to a sustainable peace is through dialogue, negotiation and reconciliation. 11<br>
slide12. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Yemen
Conflict dates back to 2014, when Houthi rebels (allegedly supported by Iran) overran much of the country, including Sanaa, the capital.
2015: escalated when a Saudi-led military coalition launched a devastating air campaign, aimed at rolling back Houthi territorial gains.
Thousands of Yemenis are believed to have been killed; 14 million at risk of starvation.
Catastrophic impact of COVID-19 on weakened healthcare system
Environmental risk posed by Safer Oil Tanker stranded off Yemen coast since 2015, with risk of oil spill – Houthis prevent United Nations inspectors from inspecting the damage 12<br>
slide13. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Yemen (cont.)
SA position
Only solution: inclusive Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned, political settlement, that provides a strong economic and political future for all Yemeni's.
Parties to be constantly reminded of their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to focus on the priority areas of protection of civilians, humanitarian access, aid funding, strengthening of the Yemeni economy and progress towards peace.
South Africa has also urged the parties towards renewed confidence-building measures including the urgent resolution of the Safer oil tanker matter. 13<br>
slide14. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Iran
Implications of US withdrawal from JCPOA and introduction of unilateral and secondary sanctions
Domestic pressure from hardliners
Iran in pursuit of more aggressive regional role; conflict with Saudi Arabia
US efforts for extension of arms embargo
Sanctions against Iran has a huge impact on its ability to fight COVID-19
Whilst humanitarian transactions with Iran are allowed under the sanctions regime imposed on the country by US, access to aid has been difficult, due to Iran’s inability to pay for even non-sanctioned humanitarian goods. 14<br>
slide15. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Iran (cont)
SA Position
JCPOA crucial for continued peace and non-proliferation
Unilateral and secondary sanctions not recognised
Calls upon member states of the UNSC to uphold Resolution 2231 (2015) through which JCPOA was established
Support for dialogue rather than antagonism in order to safeguard gains already made in terms of disarmament and non-proliferation which are essential for the maintenance of broader international peace and security
SA will not vote for extension of arms embargo 15<br>
slide16. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Blockade against Qatar
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt imposed a land, sea and air blockade against Qatar, 5 June 2017
Blockading countries claimed that Qatar was fuelling terrorism in the region, and they were too close to Iran.
Qatar rejected this claim and stated that there was no justification for such a show of force by these countries, and that this decision was a violation of their sovereignty.
Qatar approached the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) for assistance.
June 2018, ICAO ruled against the blockading countries
Blockading countries referred the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), believing that ICJ was the only authority to rule on the matter.
July 2020, ICJ ruled that ICAO does indeed have the authority to deal with the matter and supported the Organisation’s findings on the matter; increased diplomatic activity from Qatar and blockading countries to garner international support for their repsective views in anticipation of iCAO vote on the matter 16<br>
slide17. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Blockade against Qatar (cont.)
SA position
Remained impartial throughout conflict, due to nature of relations between SA, Qatar on the one hand, and SA and blockading countries on the other.
Urged both sides to engage in discussion to resolve the conflict
Supporting the GCC countries and the Arab League that are seeking to mediate a peaceful resolution.
South Africa has also informed both sides that it was ready to play a constructive role in the dialogue and diplomatic engagements aimed at the peaceful resolution of the situation should it be required, given the strong relations that exist with both sides.
DIRCO currently working with the Department of Transport on a country position wrt the dispute before ICAO. 17<br>
slide18. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Lebanon
Resignation of Diab Government on 10 August 2020 in wake of devastating ammonium nitrate explosions in Beirut on 4 August 2020.
Estimated losses amount to around US$ 15 billion
Lebanon would be unable to pay after already defaulting sovereign debt exceeding 150% of economic output, and with talks stalled on a lifeline from the International Monetary Fund.
SA position
Pres Ramaphosa has conveyed SA condolences to Government and people of Lebanon
SA supports sovereignty of Lebanon and calls for calm in the region
SA calls on all parties to honour commitments and obligations in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law to resolve the outstanding matters, including the delineation of the border and contention along the Blue Line, in terms of resolution 1701 (2006), as well as mandate of UNIFIL 18<br>
slide19. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Economic Situation in the Middle East
Effects of COVID-19, especially the drop in demand for oil and subsequent slump in oil price affected the ME, especially Gulf States negatively, expected negative growth forecast for 2020.
Most likely solution to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be to utilize the Sovereign Wealth Funds in these countries, which may imply reduced investment potential at state level.
Strategies manufacturers could employ to mitigate some of the worst effects include greater push towards e-commerce and to harness technology to strengthen supply chains.
Risk for SA is investment pledges made during President’s Investment Conferences may not materialise, Missions requested to follow up. 19<br>
slide20. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Economic Situation in the Middle East (cont.)
SA position
Ability to identify export opportunities and service them will require increased interaction between SA Missions and private sector in South Africa – co-ordinated and facilitated by DIRCO and the DTIC.
There is a move to diversify international supply chains which provides further opportunities for South Africa’s manufacturing and industrialisation.
South Africa should continue to pursue primary sector production and export to the region, as it remains in demand and would present an opportunity as global production has been curtailed and price competition may result in exploitation of South Africa’s comparative advantages – production costs and market proximity.
Commence with discussions and cooperation on multifaceted aspects of healthcare and medical sciences; and
Monitoring development and implementation of post COVID strategies to advance South Africa’s own economic recovery and integration in the global economy 20<br>
slide21. QUESTIONS? 21<br>
TO
PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
DIRCO’s Foreign Policy perspective on the recent developments in the Middle East, including the proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank
PRESENTED BY: AMBASSADOR Z. MAKINA CHIEF DIRECTOR: MIDDLE EAST
DATE: 19 August 2020 1<br>
slide2. THE MIDDLE EAST REGION 2<br>
slide3. INTRODUCTION Introductory Remarks
Structure of presentation:
Part I: Overview of the current developments affecting the Middle East Region
Part II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region 3<br>
slide4. PART I: Overview of the current developments affecting the Middle East Region Effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 globally, including the ME
United Nations call for cessation of hostilities; humanitarian pause of 90 consecutive days
Despite this call, aggression remains:
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Syria
Yemen
Iran
Blockade against Qatar
Economic effect of COVID-19 on Middle East 4<br>
slide5. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict)
17 May 2020: formation of new Israeli Government by PM Netanyahu, introduction of renewed Annexation Plan
Dovetailed with President Trump’s so-called Peace Plan: permanent colonisation of Palestinian land; Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal and undivided capital: breach of UN Charter, UNSC Resolution 2334 (2016) and other international legal provisions
Other initiatives of Trump Administration: further deadlock of MEPP, moving of US Embassy to Jerusalem, recognition of Israeli “sovereignty” over Golan Heights, closure of PLO Office in Washington and tacit approval for accelerated expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. 5<br>
slide6. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict, cont.)
Briefing by United Nations Special Coordinator for the ME, 20 July 2020
Escalating health crisis as both struggle to contain the rapid spike of COVID-19 cases;
A spiralling economic crisis as businesses close, unemployment soars, protests increase and the economy suffers the financial impact of months of lockdowns and restrictions; and
A mounting political confrontation, driven by the threat of Israeli annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank, and the steps taken in response by the Palestinian leadership. 6<br>
slide7. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict, cont.)
SA Position
Inalienable right of the Palestinian people for self-determination and independence
No military solution to the conflict and that peaceful negotiation is the only means of ensuring lasting peace, prosperity, security and stability; and
As a member of the UN Security Council, it will also continue to engage that the UNSC discharge its mandate and do its part to prevent such a dangerous move, and promote the early resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the land-for-peace principle and the Arab Peace Initiative. 7<br>
slide8. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict, cont.)
SA Position (cont.)
Independence of Palestine under the two-state solution, based on the international recognition and independence of the viable State of Palestine, based on the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, existing peacefully as independent states.
Outstanding final status issues must be resolved through direct negotiations between the parties, with support from the international community. 8<br>
slide9. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Syria
Conflict has been raging since 2011 with thousands of people who have died, been injured and been displaced.
Interference of outside role-players, including foreign powers and armed groups, compounded and prolonged the war; battlefield for geopolitical rivalry and the ambitions of terrorist groups.
Conflict heading towards final stages
Syrian parties, as well as all international role-players must commit to a peaceful settlement based on the commitments made including the Roadmap agreed upon in Security Council resolution 2254 of 2015. 9<br>
slide10. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Syria (Cont.)
SA position
Parties to work towards permanent ceasefire paving the way for enabling environment, for an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue, aimed at achieving a lasting political solution, reflective of the will of the Syrian people
United Nations Security Council efforts to finding lasting solution to end the conflict in Syria, must be supported.
South Africa encouraged by reported agreement by Government and Opposition sectors of the Constitutional Committee to reconvene in August 2020 at the earliest, should the COVID-19 travel restrictions be lifted, which will be the start of a vital political process, to build trust and confidence amongst the parties committed to this process. 10<br>
slide11. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Syria (Cont.)
SA position
Political and humanitarian tracks in Syria are interlinked; SA therefore, calls on all stakeholders to promote progress in both tracks to ensure a sustainable and peaceful settlement to the conflict.
Only path to a sustainable peace is through dialogue, negotiation and reconciliation. 11<br>
slide12. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Yemen
Conflict dates back to 2014, when Houthi rebels (allegedly supported by Iran) overran much of the country, including Sanaa, the capital.
2015: escalated when a Saudi-led military coalition launched a devastating air campaign, aimed at rolling back Houthi territorial gains.
Thousands of Yemenis are believed to have been killed; 14 million at risk of starvation.
Catastrophic impact of COVID-19 on weakened healthcare system
Environmental risk posed by Safer Oil Tanker stranded off Yemen coast since 2015, with risk of oil spill – Houthis prevent United Nations inspectors from inspecting the damage 12<br>
slide13. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Yemen (cont.)
SA position
Only solution: inclusive Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned, political settlement, that provides a strong economic and political future for all Yemeni's.
Parties to be constantly reminded of their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to focus on the priority areas of protection of civilians, humanitarian access, aid funding, strengthening of the Yemeni economy and progress towards peace.
South Africa has also urged the parties towards renewed confidence-building measures including the urgent resolution of the Safer oil tanker matter. 13<br>
slide14. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Iran
Implications of US withdrawal from JCPOA and introduction of unilateral and secondary sanctions
Domestic pressure from hardliners
Iran in pursuit of more aggressive regional role; conflict with Saudi Arabia
US efforts for extension of arms embargo
Sanctions against Iran has a huge impact on its ability to fight COVID-19
Whilst humanitarian transactions with Iran are allowed under the sanctions regime imposed on the country by US, access to aid has been difficult, due to Iran’s inability to pay for even non-sanctioned humanitarian goods. 14<br>
slide15. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Iran (cont)
SA Position
JCPOA crucial for continued peace and non-proliferation
Unilateral and secondary sanctions not recognised
Calls upon member states of the UNSC to uphold Resolution 2231 (2015) through which JCPOA was established
Support for dialogue rather than antagonism in order to safeguard gains already made in terms of disarmament and non-proliferation which are essential for the maintenance of broader international peace and security
SA will not vote for extension of arms embargo 15<br>
slide16. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Blockade against Qatar
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt imposed a land, sea and air blockade against Qatar, 5 June 2017
Blockading countries claimed that Qatar was fuelling terrorism in the region, and they were too close to Iran.
Qatar rejected this claim and stated that there was no justification for such a show of force by these countries, and that this decision was a violation of their sovereignty.
Qatar approached the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) for assistance.
June 2018, ICAO ruled against the blockading countries
Blockading countries referred the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), believing that ICJ was the only authority to rule on the matter.
July 2020, ICJ ruled that ICAO does indeed have the authority to deal with the matter and supported the Organisation’s findings on the matter; increased diplomatic activity from Qatar and blockading countries to garner international support for their repsective views in anticipation of iCAO vote on the matter 16<br>
slide17. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Blockade against Qatar (cont.)
SA position
Remained impartial throughout conflict, due to nature of relations between SA, Qatar on the one hand, and SA and blockading countries on the other.
Urged both sides to engage in discussion to resolve the conflict
Supporting the GCC countries and the Arab League that are seeking to mediate a peaceful resolution.
South Africa has also informed both sides that it was ready to play a constructive role in the dialogue and diplomatic engagements aimed at the peaceful resolution of the situation should it be required, given the strong relations that exist with both sides.
DIRCO currently working with the Department of Transport on a country position wrt the dispute before ICAO. 17<br>
slide18. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Lebanon
Resignation of Diab Government on 10 August 2020 in wake of devastating ammonium nitrate explosions in Beirut on 4 August 2020.
Estimated losses amount to around US$ 15 billion
Lebanon would be unable to pay after already defaulting sovereign debt exceeding 150% of economic output, and with talks stalled on a lifeline from the International Monetary Fund.
SA position
Pres Ramaphosa has conveyed SA condolences to Government and people of Lebanon
SA supports sovereignty of Lebanon and calls for calm in the region
SA calls on all parties to honour commitments and obligations in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law to resolve the outstanding matters, including the delineation of the border and contention along the Blue Line, in terms of resolution 1701 (2006), as well as mandate of UNIFIL 18<br>
slide19. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Economic Situation in the Middle East
Effects of COVID-19, especially the drop in demand for oil and subsequent slump in oil price affected the ME, especially Gulf States negatively, expected negative growth forecast for 2020.
Most likely solution to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be to utilize the Sovereign Wealth Funds in these countries, which may imply reduced investment potential at state level.
Strategies manufacturers could employ to mitigate some of the worst effects include greater push towards e-commerce and to harness technology to strengthen supply chains.
Risk for SA is investment pledges made during President’s Investment Conferences may not materialise, Missions requested to follow up. 19<br>
slide20. PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Economic Situation in the Middle East (cont.)
SA position
Ability to identify export opportunities and service them will require increased interaction between SA Missions and private sector in South Africa – co-ordinated and facilitated by DIRCO and the DTIC.
There is a move to diversify international supply chains which provides further opportunities for South Africa’s manufacturing and industrialisation.
South Africa should continue to pursue primary sector production and export to the region, as it remains in demand and would present an opportunity as global production has been curtailed and price competition may result in exploitation of South Africa’s comparative advantages – production costs and market proximity.
Commence with discussions and cooperation on multifaceted aspects of healthcare and medical sciences; and
Monitoring development and implementation of post COVID strategies to advance South Africa’s own economic recovery and integration in the global economy 20<br>
slide21. QUESTIONS? 21<br>