Independent Democrats Statement on the Pan-African Parliament
2004-11-04. The Independent Democrats find it very heartening that the first meeting of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) in South Africa was characterized by strong positions and resolutions being taken on a variety of issues.
In particular, the ID welcomes the strong stance that was taken on
peace and security issues and the resolution that a delegation be sent
to the Darfur region to assess the human rights tragedy occurring
there. The ID would motivate that this delegation be sent as soon as
possible and that its recommendations are acted upon urgently. The
strong sentiments that were expressed at the Pan-African Parliament
regarding the human rights tragedy are sentiments that are not only
shared by the ID but by many African people.
"The ID is also heartened by the fact that the Pan African Parliament recognized the problem of corruption and urged all PAP members to join the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption. The Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille, was in fact the first and only South African parliamentarian to join this network last year and all the other members of ID will be joining it shortly. The South African parliament should follow the lead of the Pan-African Parliament and urge all its member to join this important network aimed at eradicating the scourge of corruption in our country and our continent," said Lance Greyling, ID African Affairs Spokesperson.
It is important for the PAP to not only be a moral voice but a voice of the African people. ID would strongly motivate for this institution and its resolutions to be informed by the feelings of all African people. At this early stage of its history, the PAP must ensure that it becomes thoroughly rooted in the people of this continent and that they are afforded the opportunities to share their experiences and vision for the continent. "Only in this way will be able to bridge the divide between political institutions and the people that all too often exist on this continent," said Lance Greyling.
For further information contact Lance Greyling, ID African Affairs Spokesperson, on 083 928 8553
Issued by Thulani Sithole, Independent Democrats Media Officer:084 233 3811
"The ID is also heartened by the fact that the Pan African Parliament recognized the problem of corruption and urged all PAP members to join the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption. The Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille, was in fact the first and only South African parliamentarian to join this network last year and all the other members of ID will be joining it shortly. The South African parliament should follow the lead of the Pan-African Parliament and urge all its member to join this important network aimed at eradicating the scourge of corruption in our country and our continent," said Lance Greyling, ID African Affairs Spokesperson.
It is important for the PAP to not only be a moral voice but a voice of the African people. ID would strongly motivate for this institution and its resolutions to be informed by the feelings of all African people. At this early stage of its history, the PAP must ensure that it becomes thoroughly rooted in the people of this continent and that they are afforded the opportunities to share their experiences and vision for the continent. "Only in this way will be able to bridge the divide between political institutions and the people that all too often exist on this continent," said Lance Greyling.
For further information contact Lance Greyling, ID African Affairs Spokesperson, on 083 928 8553
Issued by Thulani Sithole, Independent Democrats Media Officer:084 233 3811
