|
U.S.-SADC Forum
(2) In his introductory statement, Deputy Secretary of State Strobe
Talbott, the leader of the U.S. Delegation, reiterated the U.S. Government's
commitment to co-operate with SADC in particular and africa in general.
Deputy Secretary of State Talbott stressed the importance of progress in four
key areas to be addressed: promoting SADC's regional economic integration,
strengthening the region's ability to address security challenges, tackling
the scourge of HIV/AIDS, and building the capacity to prepare for and manage
disasters. (3) The Forum was also attended by Ministers, Deputy
Ministers, and senior officials from all fourteen SADC member states, senior
officials from nine U.S. Government agencies, representatives from the
Association of SADC National Chambers of Commerce and Industry and from the
newly formed U.S.-SADC Business Council. (4) The second SADC-U.S. Forum strengthened the foundation laid at the
first Forum in deepening co- operation and broadening engagement between SADC
and the United States. It addressed a broad range of political, social and
economic issues of common interest. Economic Working Group (5) The Forum discussed the multilateral trading system, Africa Growth and
Opportunity Act, U.S/SADC Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and the
role of the private sector. The Forum also discussed the ACP-EU Post-Lome
Agreement and reviewed the state of regional integration in SADC. (6) The Forum reaffirmed the important role regional integration plays in
attracting new investment and improving economic development. It applauded
the entry into force of the SADC Trade Protocol in January, 2000 after very
intensive negotiations which took into consideration the specificities of
member states. The Forum also noted with satisfaction the preparatory
activities that have been agreed upon to launch the implementation of the
Trade Protocol on 1st September 2000. The United States reiterated its
willingness to assist SADC in implementing its free trade area. (7) The U.S. delegation noted that its experiences with the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have been "win-win" situations despite
differing levels of development as is the case among SADC member states. The
Forum recognized the importance of creating an environment to enhance the
intra-regional trade, to attract investment and create new jobs and economic
growth across southern Africa. To that effect, the United States agreed to
extend financial support for a period of two years for the hiring of a
regional trade expert by the SADC Secretariat and offered to provide
technical assistance in areas such as rules of origin, product standards,
customs harmonization and dispute settlement. The United States committed to
fund seminars on WTO issues and will continue to assist with streamlining
border crossing procedures. The United States also agreed to SADC's request
to provide support to the technical working groups responsible for ensuring
implementation of the Trade Protocol at the national level. (8) The Forum focused on the urgency of putting in place policies that
attract both foreign and domestic investment needed to create employment
opportunities and generate economic growth and prosperity. The forum agreed
that negotiation of a regional Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
(TIFA) between the United States and SADC should be expedited. The Forum
agreed that upon completion of the TIFA, the first meeting of its Trade and
Investment Council should explore other possible agreements to reduce trade
barriers to U.S.-SADC commerce and resolve any trade disputes amicably. (9) The Forum recognized the need to embrace all stakeholders. To this
effect, the Forum agreed that the SADC Secretariat and the United States
should cooperate in arranging a meeting with private sector representatives
to ensure the effective implementation of a SADC free trade area. (10) The United States expressed its deep appreciation of SADC countries'
support for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, (AGOA). The forum agreed
that AGOA was a significant breakthrough in U.S.-African relations and that
it provides the freest access to U.S. markets short of a free trade
agreement. The bill will eliminate quotas on textiles and apparel for
eligible Sub-Saharan countries. The United States postulated that these trade
preferences would be a strong incentive to new investment in the region. SADC
expressed the wish for more information about the act, particularly the
eligibility requirements. (11) The Forum welcomed the successful conclusion of the New ACP-EU
Partnership Agreement. On the request for a WTO waiver for the continuation
of non- reciprocal trade preferences for African, Caribbean, and Pacific
(ACP) countries in the Post-Lome period, the United States agreed in
principle to support the waiver. (12) On the next WTO round, SADC made a detailed presentation of its
position. The United States emphasized the potential role biotechnology can
play in ensuring food security in the SADC region and called for the rules
governing trade in biotechnology to be based on sound scientific knowledge.
The Forum called for the elimination of trade distorting agricultural export
subsidies but recognized the need to take into account the specificities of
each country, especially small, vulnerable and net food importing countries
in the negotiations on agriculture. The Forum called for increased market
access. (13) The Forum welcomed the constructive suggestions offered by the
Association of SADC National Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the
U.S.-SADC Business Council for enhancing both the further economic
integration of sadc and the growth of trade and investment links between SADC
and the United States. The two business groups agreed to maintain a dialogue
among themselves on the issues raised at the forum with a view to informing
the United States and SADC governments of additional steps needed to improve
the climate for increased trade and investment. Political Roundtable (14) On the political front, the Forum considered the regional political
situation, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and
Lesotho. The roundtable touched on conflict resolution and management, the
problem of refugees and small arms, democracy, good governance and the rule
of law. (15) The Forum confirmed the need for political stability and security in
southern Africa as a prerequisite for economic growth and prosperity in the
region. (16) On the DRC, the Forum expressed strong support for
the efforts of SADC leaders, the OAU and the UN to support urgently
implementation of the peace process agreed at Lusaka in July 1999. The
roundtable welcomed the parties' renewed commitment to the cease-fire
agreement signed in April 2000. The forum recognised the importance of
launching the Inter-Congolese National Dialogue, and expressed its strong
support for the facilitation of this dialogue by Sir Ketumile Masire. The
Forum also recognized the importance of the Joint Military Commission (JMC)
of the Lusaka Peace Process and called for support to the JMC for it to
perform its function in order to allow for an orderly withdrawal of foreign
troops from the DRC territory as specified in the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement.
(17) On Angola, the Forum agreed that the rebel forces under the command
of Jonas Savimbi continue to constitute the principal obstacle to peace. It
expressed strong support for the recent UN Security Council resolution on
enforcement of UN sanctions against UNITA and agreed on the need for
strengthening mechanisms for the enforcement of sanctions. The Forum called
upon the UN to speedily take follow-up actions emanating from the Fowler
Report. The Rorum pledged to do more to strengthen policing of trafficking in
illicit diamonds, noting the importance of making a clear distinction between
legitimately produced diamonds and illicit diamonds. (18) With regard to Lesotho, the Forum agreed on the need for a peaceful
resolution to the constitutional crisis. It commended the Government of
Lesotho for pursuing an inclusive political solution despite its clear
mandate in the free and fair May 1998 elections and noted that elections will
be held between April and May 2001. (19) The Forum recognized the importance of effective regional cooperation
in dealing with regional conflicts and SADC described its regional defense
and security structures. The United States outlined its experiences in other
parts of the world with regional security arrangements. The United States
stressed that its ability to assist effectively in regional conflict
prevention, management and resolution depends to a great extent on the
existence and effectiveness of regional organizations. SADC welcomed the U.S.
offer to fund a seminar on conflict prevention and management in Cape Town at
the Center for Conflict Resolution and to fund training in early-warning and
conflict prevention by the Washington-based Fund for Peace. The Forum noted
the approval of the African Center for Strategic Studies (acss) Seminar to be
held in Gaborone in July 2000. (20) On the refugee issue, the Forum agreed that refugees in Africa should
receive the same support as refugees elsewhere and also stressed the
importance of addressing the root causes of refugee movements in the region:
armed conflicts. The U.S noted that security and access are key prerequisites
for providing refugees with support. The Forum also noted the ongoing U.S.
contribution to the protection, care and maintenance of refugees in the SADC
region. The United States expressed its willingness to make its migration
program resources more accessible and relevant to SADC member states. (21) SADC reported on its efforts to formulate and implement a regional
conventional arms policy, including small arms. The United States urged the
conclusion this year of the UN protocol on small arms. The United States and
SADC agreed to undertake annual working consultations on ways to address the
problem of small arms and light weapons. SADC welcomed the U.S. offer to send
technical assistance teams for exchanges of views on surplus weapons and
excess stockpiles. The United States suggested to undertake a joint U.S.-SADC
communiquq by foreign ministers on the margins of the 2000 United Nations
General Assembly meeting which will address adherence to UN sanctions and restraint
in the sale of conventional arms. (22) The Forum welcomed the SADC region's continued consolidation of a
culture of democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In particular, the
Forum noted that Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa
successfully held elections in 1999 and Zimbabwe held a constitutional
referendum in February 2000. Continued assistance is needed, however, to
improve election administration and processes. (23) The Forum noted that efforts are underway to uphold the rule of law
by strengthening police and judicial structures and by adhering to national
constitutions. In addition, watchdog institutions continue to be created to
defend human rights. (24) The Forum observed that in terms of civil and political rights,
freedom of the press must be upheld. (25) Consensus emerged that all coups are anathema. The Forum noted SADC's
leadership role in the campaign to exclude the participation of governments
that had come to power through military coups or unconstitutional means in
OAU meetings and unequivocally confirmed support for this principle. (26) The Forum reaffirmed its acceptance of the Global Coalition for
Africa's 25 principles against corruption and noted that SADC member states
have established various institutions to combat corruption, including offices
of ombudspersons and anti-corruption commissions. The Forum welcomed U.S.
support for anti-corruption initiatives in the region. (27) The Forum welcomed Zimbabwe's frank and detailed historical overview
of the land issue in that country. The U.S. government affirmed the
importance of land reform in Zimbabwe and reiterated its willingness in
principle to provide technical assistance to help Zimbabwe to resolve this
issue quickly and in a manner that is consistent with the principles agreed
to at the September 1998 Land Reform Conference. (28) The Forum recognized the continuing threat to lives and economic
development in SADC countries posed by land mines. The Forum commends the
ongoing SADC initiatives, which, inter alia, focus on the ability of the
affected member states to establish sustainable demining capabilities. SADC
welcomed U.S. efforts in several member states to assist with mine awareness,
detection and removal. The Forum welcomed the planned visit of a U.S.
humanitarian demining assessment team later in 2000 to evaluate Zambia's land
mine removal requirements. The United States agreed to strive to meet
Mozambique's request for demining technology and to prioritize equipment
needs. (29) The Forum agreed that crime, small arms and narcotics trafficking,
and terrorism are all major threats in southern Africa and agreed that
effective border controls are essential to combating these regional problems.
SADC noted the bilateral efforts of the United States and Botswana, in
consultation with SARPCCO, to establish an International Law Enforcement
Academy (ILEA) in Botswana and recognized that it could make a major
contribution toward fulfilling the training needs of SADC member state law
enforcement agencies. The United States agreed to provide assistance to the
SADC region for a border control project and training on combating small arms
trafficking. (30) The Forum expressed its firm support for the completion by the end of
2000 of the Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocol
to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and
children. The United States and SADC also expressed support for the protocol
against illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and
components and ammunition as mandated by UN General Assembly Resolutions
53/11 and 53/114. HIV/AIDS (31) The Forum recognized HIV/AIDS as a threat to regional and international
security as well as a major development challenge in the region. It focused
particularly on the impact of HIV/AIDS on SADC, and highlighted the
importance of pursuing multi-sectoral approaches to contain the spread of
HIV/AIDS. SADC welcomed the U.S. announcement of the $15 million
"Project Storm Warning," a sub- regional development assistance
program that focuses on combating HIV/AIDS transmission along major
transportation corridors. The Forum reviewed the social, economic, political
and security aspects of HIV/AIDS as well as the dual strategy, the elements
of which are prevention and care for the affected. The United States
announced formally the $35 million Leadership and Investment in Fighting an
Epidemic (life) initiative for southern Africa. SADC expressed concern at the
high cost of HIV/AIDS drugs. They called upon the U.S. Government to use its
influence to make patenting laws more flexible for drugs to be manufactured
cheaper within the region and to support research programs. The United States
announced that President Clinton had signed an executive order on May 10
intended to help make AIDS-related drugs and medical technology more
accessible and affordable in Sub-Saharan Africa. Regional Disaster Preparedness and Management (32) The Forum expressed deep sadness at the terrible human and economic
suffering, particularly in Mozambique, as a result of the recent natural
flooding. It commended the response of SADC member states as well as of the
United States and the international community to this disaster. The Forum
reiterated the need to establish a mechanism for co-ordinated disaster
preparedness and management in the SADC region. This mechanism would also be
responsible for mobilizing resources that would be used to obviate the
effects of disasters whenever they occur. To this effect, the U.S. Government
agreed to make an initial contribution of US$200,000 to kickstart the
development of a formal mechanism for disaster preparedness at the SADC
Secretariat. Though floods were the latest disaster to befall the southern
Africa region, the area is prone to other natural disasters. The Forum also
discussed issues of regional water management and food security. It welcomed
the U.S. offer to assist in the strengthening of SADc and member states disaster
management organizations, to provide technical assistance for enhancing the
region's water management capabilities, and to help organize a regional
disaster management seminar Conclusion (33) The Forum agreed to maintain the momentum gathered by the two fora by
making follow-ups to ensure that projects are implemented. To this end, the
Forum recognized the importance of meeting annually at a mutually agreed time
and place to pursue issues of mutual interest and importance to SADC and to
the United States. It called upon the U.S. Special Representative to SADC and
the Executive Secretary of SADC to convene meetings of the U.S.-SADC Forum
Steering Committee made up of representatives from the United States, the
SADC Secretariat, the SADC Troika and other southern African institutions as
appropriate to provide coordinated follow-up on actions agreed at the first
and second SADC-US Fora. This steering committee will meet before the August
2000 SADC summit and will be responsible for ensuring the execution of
follow-on projects and for evaluating their effectiveness, as well as
developing an agenda for the next Forum, which participants recommended be
held in Washington, D.C., in the second half of 2001. (34) The Forum thanked the government and the people of the Republic of
Mozambique for their generous Hospitality. It expressed appreciation for the
excellent facilities made available that indeed contributed to the successful
deliberations. The Forum also thanked ministers and their delegations from
the SADC region, the SADC Secretariat for its tireless efforts, the U.S.
Deputy Secretary of State and his delegation, the U.S. Special Representative
to SADC, and representatives from the business communities for their
invaluable commitment and contribution to the success of the Forum. (end
text) |