DIRCO must investigate whether the MTN Group influenced South Africa's position on Iran's nuclear weapons programme at the IAEA 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, should launch an investigation into the claims, emerging in a lawsuit launched by Turkcell in the United States District Court of Columbia in Washington DC, which suggest that the MTN Group attempted to improperly influence South Africa's position on Iran's nuclear weapons programme at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The allegations are based on documents, the authenticity of which has not been determined, and which therefore remain unproven, claiming inter alia that "working behind the scenes to bribe, corrupt, and control officials from the Iranian and South African governments, on November 24, 2005, MTN secured South Africa's abstention on a crucial decision by the IAEA."

There is evidence to suggest that the MTN Group allegedly made a payment of US$ 200 000 to South Africa's former Ambassador in Iran, Yusuf Salojee, allegedly to assist in delivering a pro-Iran position at the IAEA.

That is why these very serious allegations have been referred by me to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation ("Hawks").

The MTN Group also allegedly attempted to improperly influence South Africa's position on Iran's nuclear weapons programme inter alia by:

• allegedly paying for Hassan Rowhani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, to visit South Africa and arranging a private meeting for him with former President Thabo Mbeki, at which South Africa's vote on Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency was discussed;
• allegedly discussing South Africa's vote at the International Atomic Energy Agency with Ambassador Abdul Minty at a dinner hosted by former Ambassador Yusuf Salojee in Iran; and
• allegedly attempting to be in contact with former President Thabo Mbeki and Ambassador Abdul Minty before the vote at the International Atomic Energy Agency.

However, in a recent reply to a written parliamentary question on the MTN Group and Iran Minister Nkoana-Mashabane states unequivocally that she does not consider it necessary to launch an investigation into the allegations because: 

"I am aware that South Africa's position on Iran's nuclear programme had not been influenced by any company". 

The Minister may be right. 

There is no compelling evidence to suggest the MTN Group actually succeeded in influencing South Africa's position on Iran's nuclear weapons programme at the IAEA. 

However, the allegations concerning the MTN Group's alleged attempt to influence South Africa's position on Iran's nuclear weapons programme at the IAEA are very serious and must be investigated. 

I will, therefore, be writing to Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, requesting that she review the decision and launch a full investigation into whether the MTN Group influenced South Africa's position on Iran's nuclear weapons programme at the IAEA. 

We have to be absolutely sure that South Africa's nuclear policy is not for sale. 

And only a full investigation, finding that there was no wrongdoing, will give the public that assurance. 

There must be absolutely no doubt.

Statement issued by David Maynier MP, DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, April 1 2012

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