A Complicated Affair

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Published on Tuesday, 14 February 2012 13:58

Written by Rob Attwell

South African foreign policy makers have broken new ground by not siding with China over the issue of Syria. South Africa supported a UN resolution on Syria which puts pressure on the Assad regime to end the violence in that country – hopefully paving the way for a peaceful settlement and transition of power that must take place. 

Clayson Mon-yela, Ministry of International Relations spokes-man, said, “It is important that the Syrian people be allowed to decide their own fate, including their future leadership.” 

Traditionally, South Africa has sided with China and Russia on issues of international relations, a reflection of South Africa’s inclusion in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) framework and economic and diplomatic reliance on China in particular. Unfortunately, China and Russia vetoed the resolution.     

When the issue of Syria previously came up at the UN, South Africa followed China’s lead, rejecting efforts to bring about change in Syria. China and Russia have a reputation for inaction on human rights issues, and South Africa tends to follow that example. 

This was no more evident than in 2007, when South Africa sided with China and Russia in rejecting a resolution calling on the Burmese military junta to respect human rights.

South Africa’s support for last Tuesday’s UN resolution on Syria marks the first time in recent history in which our nation’s stance on important international issues reflects our constitution 

and values.

The rejection of the resolution has soured relations between Arab League nations and the “R” and “C” members of BRICS. However, Arab League leader Nabil Elaraby has been quick to say that the League will continue to work with both Beijing and Moscow to bring about an end to the crisis in Syria.

Meanwhile, in troubled Syria, government forces – some from the comfort of their Russian-made tanks – continue to bombard the city of Homs. The bombardment has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians in the past week alone.

While the bombs fall on Homs, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lazrov has embarked on a diplomatic mission that would allow President Assad to end the conflict on his own terms and at his discretion. 

At the moment, it seems that he plans to kill everyone who might oppose him before he is finally forced to stand for post-violence election or step down.  

It is unfortunate that South Africa’s maturation as an international player and non-permanent member of the Security Council should be so tragically ineffective. The veto on the part of Russia and China still means the Syrian people will continue to suffer.