President Mbeki called on to be forthright - ACDP

Notice of Motion by LM Green, MP for the African Christian Democratic Party

Wednesday, 1 November 2001


The ACDP will move at the next sitting of the House that the House notes that:

1. Yesterday the leader of the ACDP, Rev K R Meshoe, pertinently put particular questions to the Honourable State President during the debate on a new partnership for Africa’s development;

2. That regrettably the Honourable President did not answer the questions directly, particularly those pertaining to the cost of the peace keeping operation in Burundi, notwithstanding the fact that the information was at his disposal, as is indicated in the President’s letter contained in today’s announcements, tablings and committee reports;

3. Further notes, that the Deputy President in his response to a similar question by the UDM on the 17 October, 2001, stated in response: “There is absolutely no cost.”;

4. Calls upon the President to be more forthright in his answers, particularly when he has the information at his disposal and is addressing a televised debate to the South African people;

5. Notes with concern that the cost will be R1,5 billion and that at this stage there is no guarantee of donor funding with the result that the South African taxpayer might have to foot the bill;

6. Notwithstanding the above, supports the call of the Minister of Defence to church congregations to pray for the safety of the troops, particularly in view of the fact that no cease-fire has been signed and that their lives are at risk because of the poor logistical back up, should they become involved in conflict.



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For more information please call Louis Green MP at 0834419295 or ACDP Media Liaison Liza Bloemetje at 082 4781037