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Sout
h Africa has still not been asked to give refuge to ousted
Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Department of Foreign
Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said yesterday.
"We were never approached nor have we received any request. So our
position hasn't changed," Mamoepa said.
Aristide is currently in the Central African Republic, and there
have been persistent reports that he will be heading to South
Africa for asylum.
On Monday Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad told reporters
South Africa would "have no problem" with granting asylum, but that
he was not aware of any formal request.
However Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon told a media
conference yesterday that South Africa should deny Aristide entry
in accordance with its own law on asylum seekers.
He said the Refugees Act ruled out refugee status for anyone guilty
of acts contrary to the objects and principles of the United
Nations or the Organisation of African Unity.
"The actions of the Aristide regime are certainly contrary to the
principles of the United Nations Organisation and the African
Union, which succeeded the Organisation of African Unity," Leon
said.
"These actions include his fraudulent re-election in 2000, his
campaign of terror against journalists and human rights workers,
and his repression of legitimate political opposition".
He said there was no further room for South Africa to involve
itself in Haitian affairs, saying the United Nations Security
Council had already authorised a multinational peacekeeping
force.
"South Africa should offer political support to UN-led efforts to
restore stability, democracy and human rights in Haiti. Beyond
that, our direct involvement should be minimal at best".
Also yesterday, New National Party foreign affairs spokesperson Dr
Boy Geldenhuys said South Africa could not afford to be estranged
from the international community by granting asylum to
Aristide.
"This can have serious ramifications for Nepad (New Partnership for
Africa's Development)," he said.
South Africa should only consider granting asylum if asked to do so
by the UN, and if it formed part of a plan to stabilise the
situation in Haiti.
"The international community will have to find a solution for
democratically elected leaders who turn into brutal dictators like
Aristide and (Zimbabwean President Robert) Mugabe". –
Sapa.
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