Sudan

"The minds of brilliant and misguided men and women devise the law but the mood of the masses will challenge it good or poor!"
Cheryllyn Dudley 

Sudan's President Bashir has opted to apply for a U.S. visa to travel to the U.N. General Assembly in New York with an international arrest warrant for war crimes still hanging over his head.

ACDP MP and Int Relations PC Member Cheryllyn Dudley commenting on the fact that the US is not a member of the Hague-based ICC and not legally bound to hand the president over pointed out that:

"Washington has led calls for Bashir to face international justice though, and has transferred ICC suspects before".

"Sudan simply dismisses the ICC charges of course, and claims reports of mass killings in Darfur have been exaggerated", Dudley said

 "The visa challenge itself coincides  with growing hostility to an ICC perceived by some to be targeting African leaders - all in all - a serious game of poker going down!"

A picture I took some years ago while in Sudan

ACDP supports SA efforts to extend Agoa

MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
18th September 2013

ACDP supports SA efforts to extend Agoa
• SA efforts may be too little too late
•US/SA relations not always an SA priority
•poverty and inequality will rise if SA loses preferential market access."

ACDP MP and Member on Parliaments International Relations Committee, Cheryllyn Dudley said today that:

"The ACDP supports SA's combined efforts to extent Agoa for the mutual benefit of SA, and the Region.  We would not be surprised however if our efforts amount to 'too little too late' as US/SA relations are not always a SA priority and this I am sure has not gone unnoticed!"

MP Cheryllyn Dudley said "Our efforts to address poverty and inequality will take a serious knock if Min Davies fails in his belated efforts to argue the mutual benefits of Agoa for the US and SA."

A high-level government and business delegation is in the US this week to present South Africa’s case for the extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) beyond its September 30, 2015 expiry date.

Agoa, first introduced in 2000 and extended in 2008, offers duty-free and quota-free access to the giant US market across a wide range of products from qualifying African countries.

African governments strongly favour extending Agoa, and US President Obama has shown support but Congressional approval is required and a formal public review has been launched.

Given  SA's development, our inclusion in BRICS our non-reciprocal US trade preferences and reciprocal relations with the EU  -concerns have been raised.

European carmakers exporting vehicles to the US from facilities in SA make SA one of the largest beneficiaries of Agoa - a point highlighted by Pres Obama when he called for a level playing field for US investors and exporters.

South Africa is presently the continent's largest non-oil-exporting beneficiary of America’s preferential market-access  which includes motor vehicles and parts, nonferrous metals, iron and steel, chemicals, and other mining products.

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley with SA Ambassador Rassool in Washington DC in June 2012

NB  ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley attended Agoa committee Hearings in Washington in June '12

ACDP says package of services offered using credibility of Police and NPA inappropriate.

MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP and Whip
16 September 2013

ACDP says package of services offered using credibility of Police and NPA inappropriate.

• raises suspicions around growing support for legalized prostitution

•a lucrative pension plan maybe?!

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today:

“I appreciate that the Sunday Times newspaper picked up on this inappropriate and distasteful package of services being offered by a man using the credibility of being former police and NPA spokesperson.

"It really does add to the picture of significant and growing support for legalized prostitution from people and organizations that should and do know better.

"It also makes me for one, ever more conscious that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to perverse incentives and  the possibility of an already existing pension plan for the 'top brass' - or personnel needing to be pensioned off early!"

Dudley added that, “Police statements on the subject of legalised prostitution must be viewed cautiously if they are not 'overtly committed' to upholding the present laws of the land.”

The former Police and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi said on Sunday he would close his massage parlour after the Sunday Times reported that it was a brothel. He said he was not aware of any criminal action taking place at the Randburg property, which he termed a “lodge”. He was reported as explaining why pornographic videos were shown in massage rooms, by stating: “haven't you heard about happy endings"!

A QUICK LOOK AT THE WORLD BANK TODAY! My summary...for what it's worth!

Faced with a tight budget and greater competition for development funds, the World Bank has to be more selective in its lending, according to a draft strategy presented to the bank's executive board last week. 

Founded after World War II to help rebuild Europe, the World Bank later focused on lending money to developing countries in order to improve the lives of poor people.

Operating in fragile and wore-torn states and keeping a global presence has strained funds - now tough decisions must be made as departments and programs have to shrink. 

More private-public partnerships for basic services like health, education and housing can be expected. 

As for middle income countries - they will be expected to rely more on private funding and bilateral loans from emerging markets like China.

ACDP calls on stakeholders to comment on draft minimum uniform norms & standards for school infrastructure by 11 October 2013

MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
16th September 2013

ACDP calls on stakeholders to comment on draft minimum uniform norms & standards for school infrastructure by 11 October 2013

* stressed importance of MEC's to update DBE regularly on review of norms and standards to ensure regulations stay current and relevant.

Draft regulations have been published in the Government Gazette on Thursday, 12 September and stakeholders are invited to study and comment on the draft minimum uniform norms & standards for school infrastructure by 11 October 2013.

Comments received will be studied and evaluated, with a view to incorporating them into the draft regulations expected to be published on or before 30 November.

The objectives include:
• improved access to quality education facilities
• sustainable & equitable facilities for all learners in SA
• addressing diverse needs of learners and teachers with functional limitations

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today that while nothing new - it is still portant for Min Motshekga to again prioritize ...availability of classrooms, electricity, water, sanitation and perimeter security.

MP Cheryllyn Dudley stressed the importance of MEC's being held to reporting regularly to the Minister on regular reviews of norms and standards in regulations to ensure they are current and relevant.

Inspiration for a 'Shared Future' - from Zimbabwe no less!

"Entrepreneur Trevor Ncube has caught my attention - the way I see it - he is working for a 'Shared Future' - something you may have guessed - impresses me!"

Unconvinced by Zimbabwe’s two largest political parties, he envisions more - a political party made up of the best men and women across the political divide, business community, and civil society  - why not!

Zimbabweans, clouded by party politics and the ‘you are either with us or against us’ attitude are seen as traitors if they criticise or question their party positions or party leaders. Civil society also plays into this mindset and holds back critical public discussions and advocacy on central issues - as some are inclined to criticise government officials on the basis of their party membership rather than the principles and values that they practice.

Ncube's take on things through his twitter followers, is that they want to judge issues for the value that they represent to them as individuals and not as party members and he purposes to be the man in the middle. “I have been accused of being ZANU-PF and MDC on the same day,” he says. As a result,  followers include people from across the political, racial and ethnic divide.

Information sharing is one of his greatest strengths and contrasts with the culture of secrecy which prevails within government and civil society in Zimbabwe where things are not as black and white as often depicted in the Zimbabwean and international media - it is a diverse nation with a strong yearning for debate and freedom of expression.

Go Trevor!

Explanation re: ACDP PROPOSED RESOLUTION ON ISRAEL/PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

(11th September 2013)

The ACDP was aware that Parliaments International Relations Portfolio Committee Report was likely to be biased to some degree, in that the majority of Committee Members make no apology for their uncompromising solidarity with the Palestinian cause.  We were aware that the agenda for the PC visit to Gaza, Palestine and Israel heavily favoured a pro-Palestine/anti Israel sector of society.  But we were also aware that any attempt to bring this to the committee’s attention and to request they include more informative pro-Israel individuals or groups was being received as control and manipulation and was overtly rejected.
The ACDP reasoned that it would be in the best interests of Israel/SA Relations for the committee to experience Israel without being on the defensive and determined to hear nothing. For this reason we supported the agenda and observed members of the committee attempt to be open-minded, seeing, listening and even hearing things they would have been inclined to reject out of hand.  Personally I think we made enormous strides forward, although that does not mean that individually or collectively members of the committee will abandon their commitment to being anti-Israel in order to act on their unconditional solidarity with Palestine.

The Report did not conclude anything – it reported what was presented to the PC, gave a summary of the questions asked by the committee and summarised the responses.  The Gaza report was the result of a visit to Gaza by the Committee in 2011 – a delegation I was not part of.  My understanding was that this report would not be relevant and therefore not included, once the 2013 delegation reported on Gaza.  This however did not happen as Israel did not allow the committee to visit Gaza and Hebron – this was unfortunate and left no alternative but for the committee to refer to the original Gaza report.  I make note here that getting to visit Israel was not an easy matter and the trip had been postponed many times due to reluctance - for various reasons - on the part of Israel.
Having said that – and because the ACDP was no part of the delegation to Gaza it is important for us to note that the blockade was not imposed immediately after the evacuation of all Israelis from the Gaza Strip in 2005 but only after the “Battle of Gaza” in June 2007 when Hamas violently ousted Fatah and seized full control and after Israel suffered innumerable rocket attacks. PM Ariel Sharon's plan in 2004 for disengagement from Gaza stated clearly that Israel was committed to the peace process and in promoting improvement of the economy and welfare of the Palestinian residents.

Believe it or not, Israel believes that a high standard of living for the Palestinians is important for the achievement of good neighborly relations. Many projects were in the pipeline for joint ventures fostering cooperation between Jews and Arabs and creating employment. Unfortunately very little is known, even by experts on Palestine, about the many cooperative efforts that existed at that time and about the ambitious plans for expansion that should be rekindled. Israel and the Palestinian Authority cooperated in creating employment opportunities along the “seam-line" between Israel and the territories and in areas under the jurisdiction of the PA.

A very successful industrial zone was created at Erez, employing about 5,000 workers in some 200 businesses half of which were Palestinian-owned. This was part of a larger Gaza Industrial Estate slated to provide up to 50,000 jobs. In addition a joint industrial zone was planned south of Tulkarm intended to provide jobs for more than 5,000 Palestinians. Additional areas were planned for Jenin and the Kerem Shalom area near Rafah in Gaza. But all these positive efforts were tragically thwarted when the zone became the target of deadly Palestinian attacks leading to closure of the enterprises.
The 2013 visit to Ramallah and Israel, in terms of being an “investigation” was not without its weaknesses either - the report in many ways reflects this in recording the focus on individuals and organizations with a pro-palestine or anti-Israel position.

The ACDP had hoped, however, that despite the unlevel playing field in terms of material presented to the committee - the Parliamentary Committee delegation would have had the courage to overcome their natural bias and commit to a greater degree of balance in proposing a resolution.
The ACDP is known to have a similar sense of solidarity when it comes to Israel due to our mutual biblical history regarding Israel and the disputed territory.  With this in mind we have chosen not to disregard the ANC proposal out of hand and have tried to find a way to bring some balance.  We do not agree with everything in the proposed resolution but understand that much of the success of our democracy in South Africa is due to compromise that takes us forward.  We genuinely want peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

The ACDP would like to commend IBSA on their statement on the Middle East Peace - we recognize this approach as being an example of true leadership committed to peace and development for all people living in the Middle East.  (Statement included below)
Despite the obstacles it is essential that Israel, the PA and Hamas endeavor to come to terms in the interests of the Palestinian and Israeli people. Towards this end, the peace brokers should be encouraged by the examples of positive pre-intifada events described above, to believe that cooperation rather than confrontation is achievable and would undoubtedly be mutually beneficial.




IBSA Statement on the Middle East Peace, 23 August 2013 

Taking into consideration the previous declarations of the India, Brazil and South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) on the Middle East Peace Process, the Foreign Ministers of India, Salman Khurshid; Brazil, Antonio Patriota and South Africa, Maite Nkoana Mashabane, after consultations, agreed on the following statement:

We reaffirm that the Israeli Palestinian conflict remains an urgent and key issue for the international community, the resolution of which is a prerequisite for building a sustainable and lasting peace in the Middle East region.

We support the mediation efforts undertaken by the U.S.  Secretary of State John Kerry and welcome the announcement of the resumption of direct final status negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. This is an encouraging development, one that has the potential for reverting the deadlock and paralysis that have plagued the peace process in recent years. We hope this renewed effort will lead to the full and overdue realization of a two state solution based on 1967 borders.

We have noted with satisfaction the decision of Israel to release 104 Palestinian prisoners, which is a gesture that contributes to the spirit of cooperation surrounding the negotiations. We are also pleased with the announcement made on 30 July by Mr. Kerry indicating that the Palestinian and Israeli negotiators are committed to reaching a comprehensive peace agreement within nine months. Such an agreement should culminate in the full realization of an independent Palestinian State. We call on the parties to adhere strictly to this timetable.

As we reiterate our call for the Security Council to fully exercise its functions under the UN Charter, with regard to the Palestinian Question, we express our firm belief that the Council should provide sustained support to the peace process and work towards its full and satisfactory completion. 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS &  COOPERATION

ACDP Proposal - Resolution on Israel/Palestinian Conflict

After receiving the ANC proposed resolution I realised we had 2 choices - either to reject it out of hand and put forward an 'ideal' resolution which will be ignored OR try to work with the ANC resolution in an effort to encourage compromise that would bring some balance. 

The following  proposed resolution was drawn up after discussions with ACDP MPs, the Israeli Ambassador, The Zionist Federation in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban and the Jewish Board of Deputies in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban and will be presented at the International Relations Committee meeting on 11th September 2013.

ACDP PROPOSAL

RESOLUTION ON ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

Noting;

• That the Portfolio Committee sought to understand the underlying causes of the long-standing Palestinian/Israeli conflict, and make a contribution to the search for a comprehensive, just, peaceful and lasting solution.
• That this enquiry took place in the context of the fact that Palestinians have, after more than 2 decades of negotiations that failed to satisfy the minimum requirements of self-determination and Statehood, submitted an application for Statehood to the United Nations.

Recalling;

• That the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has undertaken an extensive enquiry into the Israeli/Palestinian conflict involving a broad section of the South African society, representing government, religious, trade union, civil society and lobby groups and representatives of the Palestinian Authority and Israeli government respectively.
• This enquiry took the form of 2 briefing meetings and a Symposium involving a broad section of the South African public.
• The Symposium on 16 November 2011, hosted with the participation of the Ambassadors of Palestine, HE.  Ambassador Ali Halimeh (now late) and HE Ambassador Dov Segev Steinberg of the State of Israel.
• That civil society organisations, government, religious bodies, trade unions, lobby groups, political organisations and members of the public participated robustly and made valuable contributions to the debate.
• That the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation undertook visits to Gaza (Palestine) from 7 December to 11 December 2011 and Israel and West bank, (Palestine) from 31 March 2013 to 5 April 2013 as part of the effort to familiarise itself with the historical and obtaining situation in the Palestinian Territories and the State of Israel.

Believe;

• That having solicited a divergence of views from a broad section of society; both in South Africa, Israel and Palestine and having undertaken a visit to Israel and Palestine, has empowered the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation with deeper insight into the conflict; its causes and consequences.
• That having gained a broader understanding of the conflict and its impact on the population and the region, the Committee is empowered to form and express an opinion and recommend to the House the appropriate course of action.

Further Recalling;

That the liberation struggle in South Africa enjoyed the support of the international community and the Palestinian people in particular as it mirrored their own experiences of subjugation, oppression, exclusion, colonialism and dispossession.
• That the fraternal, relations between the people of South Africa and Palestine are historical and deep, forged in the trenches of our common struggles for freedom and dignity.
• That South Africa has since the democratic-breakthrough in 1994 supported the aspirations of the Palestinian people for the right to self-determination through the creation of a State of their own, living side by side and in peace and security with the State of Israel.

Recognising

That South Africa’s support for the cause of the Palestinian people is a principled position borne out of our own experiences as a people and our vision for the creation of a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world, free from colonial subjugation, injustice and all forms of oppression.
• That the support human rights, freedom, democracy, peace, justice and equality is a historical and constitutional obligation bestowed upon South Africa and future generations.

Further recalling;

• That South Africa has actively lobbied for and supported the Palestinian bid for Statehood at the United Nations General Assembly resulting in Palestine being granted Non-Members status at the United Nations and paving the way for the Palestinian people to deepen and broaden their participation in the United Nations.

Recall and reaffirm;

The 2007 Resolution 1015 No 29 - 2007] FOURTH SESSION, THIRD PARLIAMENT,
• stating our support for a just and fair solution in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions, as the only way to create peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
• all parties to contribute to the creation of an atmosphere of calm by suspending all forms of violent action and signing a comprehensive truce;
• the removal of all further obstacles to peaceful negotiations.


Further Recall and reaffirm;

Former President Nelson Mandela’s Statement at the occasion of the United Nations International day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people when he said;

“The temptation in our situation is to speak in muffled tones about an issue such as the right of the people of Palestine to a state of their own. We can easily be enticed to read reconciliation and fairness as meaning parity between justice on the one hand, and their opposite on the other. Peace and prosperity, peace and prosperity; tranquillity and security are only possible if these are enjoyed by all without discrimination” He went on to say “But we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians...”

Believing;

• That the aspirations of the Palestinian people cannot be denied any longer
• That the current negotiations must as an outcome resolve the fundamental grievance of the Palestinian people and lay the solid foundations for peace in the Middle-East.
• That settlement construction in the disputed Territories (OPT) is a violation of international law and poses a real threat to the negotiations.
• That a unified ideological position has to be established between Fatah and Hamas that includes the recognition of Israel and the suspension of all activities that erode Israeli confidence in a post-agreement future. This includes incitement to violence and the denial of the Jewish historical and spiritual connection to the land.

Further Recall and Reaffirm

His Excellency President Jacob Zuma’s Statement on 14 February 2013, at the occasion of the State of the Nation address when he said;

South Africa’s internationalism has a strong element of solidarity to it. We stand with the people of Palestine as they strive to turn a new leaf in their struggle for their right to self-determination; hence we supported their bid for statehood.

Urge;

That the International community assist both Israel and Palestine to work towards a solution that ensures a contiguous and economically viable Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders based on those existing on 4 June 1967.  

Therefore Resolve:

• To intensify our efforts supporting a just, peaceful and lasting solution, including the strengthening of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state; which will help to bring peace between Palestinians and Israelis and an end to the conflict in to the region.


• To continue to support the efforts by our government to encourage an inclusive peaceful process of a negotiated settlement between the concerned parties.

• To utilise the strong relationship with all Palestinian political factions to lead efforts to establish a unified ideological Palestinian position on Israel so that negotiations are representative and that a viable peace between Israel and Palestine becomes a possibility.


• To support all efforts to engage with all parties in Israel and Palestine to find a just, lasting and peaceful solution resolution towards the settlement of the Palestinian question and peace in the Middle East.

ACDP calls for a debate on “Balancing privacy and security”

MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP
3rd September 2013

ACDP calls for a debate on “Balancing privacy and security”

•Says degree to which checks and balances are successful will determine whether public trust can be restored
•Questions success of data gathering in counter-terrorism - asks what alternatives there are?

The ACDP plans to call on the National Assembly – at the next sitting of the House in early October to debate the issue of:

“Balancing privacy and security - looking at the reality of how security agencies work and identifying measures to protect the privacy of citizens”. ACDP MP and Member of the International Relations Portfolio Committee, Cheryllyn Dudley said today that:

“Both security and privacy are extremely important and the degree to which we trade one for the other must be a priority concern for us – I for one would definitely like a closer look at just what is at stake as we prioritise both security and privacy and try to find an acceptable balance.”

“Edward Snowden’s revelations have opened up some debate on the issues but to really apply our minds we do need to take into consideration the views of both officials and civil rights and privacy advocates.

“Most of us are not well informed when it comes to how effective checks and balances are and the ACDP sees this as important if public trust is to ever be restored.

“Whether or not data gathering is successful in counter-terrorism has not been obvious and many of us are wondering what, if anything, are the alternatives.

With the NSA building a data centre that will host the world’s largest amount of data - questions are being asked about whether or not agencies can effectively analyse so much information, and whether they can protect it against hackers?