SOUTH AFRICA: President Jacob Zuma will meet Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for talks

Record ID: 456127

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: President Jacob Zuma will meet Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for talks
  • Date: 26th May 2011
  • Summary: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (MAY 25, 2011) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE POLICE AT ENTRANCE (SOUNDBITE) (English) ZIZI KODWA, PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR SAYING: "There is a greater need to find a lasting solution, immediate solution in order to arrest the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, the continued conflict, bombing in that country to make sure we bring about stability, everlasting stability in Libya." PEOPLE WALKING DOWN STREET NEAR PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE (SOUNDBITE) (English) ZIZI KODWA, PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR SAYING: "The president is optimistic, very optimistic that on behalf of the AU, Monday's meeting will help in some way to find a lasting solution to the Libyan problem." MAIN GATE AT ENTRANCE TO PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (MAY 25, 2011) (REUTERS) POLITICAL ANALYST AT THE INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES ISSAKA SOUARE TALKING (SOUNDBITE) (English) ISSAKA SOUARE, POLITICAL ANALYST SAYING: "First to secure a cease fire and then that would allow the distribution of humanitarian assistance to all the civilians affected, not just one side and then that would pave the way to political negotiations between the two parties that would lead according to the African Union to a transitional period after which there will be elections." INSTITUTE LOGO ON WALL (SOUNDBITE) (English) ISSAKA SOUARE, POLITICAL ANALYST SAYING: "There is no guarantee that if Gaddafi were to leave power forcefully that, that would lead to a qualitative change because we know little about the rebels, what we know is that they are against Gaddafi but we must remember that the majority of the top brass of the rebels were dignitaries of the Gaddafi regime until not long ago so what makes them democrats all of a sudden? SIGN READING: "KNOWLEDGE EMPOWERS AFRICA."
  • Embargoed: 10th June 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa, South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: War / Fighting,International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVAB11VKBCQQWN6AF2KJCK9DGOF
  • Story Text: President Jacob Zuma is said to be very optimistic he can have a part in bringing about peace in Libya during a visit to the country.
    The South African leader is due to visit Tripoli on behalf of the African Union for talks with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi next week.
    Zuma spokesman Zizi Kodwa told Reuters Television that the visit was aimed at seeking an immediate end to hostilities in line with a roadmap drawn up by the regional body in March.
    "There is a greater need to find a lasting solution, immediate solution in order to arrest the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, the continued conflict, bombing in that country to make sure we bring about stability, everlasting stability in Libya," he said.
    The South African president headed an AU mission to in April but the bid to halt the civil war collapsed within hours when rebels said shelling was continuing despite Gaddafi agreeing to a ceasefire.
    The AU does not have a good track record in brokering peace deals, having failed recently to end conflicts or disputes in Somalia, Madagascar and Ivory Coast.
    However president Zuma has said he has high hopes the meeting will bring about change.
    "The president is optimistic, very optimistic that on behalf of the AU, Monday's meeting will help in some way to find a lasting solution to the Libyan problem," Kodwa said.
    In a separate statement, the presidency described as "misleading" reports that the visit was to discuss an exit strategy for Gaddafi.
    It has been suggested that South Africa, which has played host to ousted leaders from Madagascar and Haiti, could play a key role in finding a home for Gaddafi.
    The two countries have certainly had close ties in the past. When he was released from prison, Nelson Mandela visited Libya to thank Gaddafi for his support in the fight against apartheid.
    Political analyst for the Institute for Security Studies Issaka Souare said the immediate aim of the meeting would be to put an end to the violence.
    "First to secure a cease fire and then that would allow the distribution of humanitarian assistance to all the civilians affected, not just one side and then that would pave the way to political negotiations between the two parties that would lead according to the African Union to a transitional period after which there will be elections," said Souare.
    He added that removing Gaddafi by force would not guarantee freedoms.
    "There is no guarantee that if Gaddafi were to leave power forcefully that, that would lead to a qualitative change because we know little about the rebels, what we know is that they are against Gaddafi but we must remember that the majority of the top brass of the rebels were dignitaries of the Gaddafi regime until not long ago so what makes them democrats all of a sudden?" he said.
    Last week, South Africa accused Libya of misleading it over the fate of a South African photographer now believed to be dead after being shot and abandoned in the desert by forces loyal to Gaddafi.
    South Africa's ruling African National Congress said it was incensed by the use of deadly force against civilians and journalists and accused Libya of dishonesty.
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