SA troops needed in Liberia
2003-08-13 08:25
Pretoria - South Africa is committed to peace in Africa and must therefore do everything in its power to contribute peacekeepers wherever they are needed urgently.
At the same time deployment of South African soldiers in Liberia should be approved by parliament and the cabinet, deputy foreign affairs minister Aziz Pahad said on Tuesday.
The presidency confirmed this week South Africa would send troops to Liberia. Earlier it appeared South Africa would either send an observer mission, a number of staff officers or a taskforce of five ships and 200 to 250 naval troops.
Pahad conceded the defence force had already deployed more soldiers abroad than it could afford, but at the same time it was necessary for South Africa to contribute at all costs to the Liberian peace process.
It is still unclear if South Africa will form part of the multi-national force tasked with returning peace to Liberia following former president Charles Taylor's departure.
Thereafter a United Nations (UN) force will help stabilise the country. Pahad said alternatively South Africa could become involved in this force.
Namibia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ireland have already offered to send troops to Liberia, and three American ships with about 2 000 marines are already lying at anchor along the country's coastline.
Pahad said finance could be received from organisations such as the European Union.
Meanwhile DA defence spokesperson Roy Jankielsohn said guidelines were urgently needed before the government deployed more soldiers abroad at enormous cost.
Parliamentary approval was needed, particularly because taxpayers are footing the bill.
He said defence oversight stipulates that peacekeeping missions require a clear international mandate, enough money, as well as conditions for intervention and withdrawal.