THE PRESIDENCY: REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. : 3155
DATE PUBLISHED : 14 October 2011
DATE DUE : 28 October 2011

3155. Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the President of the Republic:

(1) Whether he has been informed of an incident involving the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation's refusal to have her handbag scanned which resulted in expenditure in excess of R200 000 being incurred for an unchartered flight to Bulgaria as she had missed her scheduled flight; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether he intends taking any action in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what action? NW3682E

REPLY:

(1)          Yes. The President was informed about the matter.

The President would like to bring to the attention of the Honourable Member that the Minister of International Relations' actions are consistent with the provisions of the Vienna Convention and the customary international law, both of which provide inviolability, immunities and privileges for persons of her stature.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the customary international law sets out the special rules - privileges and immunities - which enable diplomatic missions to act without fear of coercion or harassment.

(2)                To avoid such occurrences in the future, the President has mandated State Protocol to ensure that when travelling abroad, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is treated in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of the Vienna Convention and customary international law.

Issued by Parliament, November 28 2011

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