WEDNESDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2002 __

                    PROCEEDINGS AT JOINT SITTING
                                ____

Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces assembled in the Chamber of the National Assembly at 14:02.

The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.

WELCOMING ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE HELLENIC

The SPEAKER: Order! Hon members, we are honoured to have with us today His Excellency President Stephanopoulos of the Hellenic Republic, who has accepted our invitation to address this Joint Sitting. I now call upon the hon Archie Lucas to introduce His Excellency to you.

Mr G A LUCAS: Madam Speaker, Chairperson of the NCOP, hon President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, hon President of the Republic of the Hellenic, His Excellency Constantine Stephanopoulos, hon Deputy President Jacob Zuma, hon speakers from various legislatures assembled here today, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers, distinguished guests accompanying the hon President of the Republic of the Hellenic, and hon members of Parliament.

Having been graced by the presence of President Constantine Stephanopoulos, on behalf of our democratic Parliament, I would like to extend a warm welcome to a free and democratic South Africa to His Excellency President Stephanopoulos. For granting South Africa this privilege, I would like to assure him that our people will usher him in with true hospitality, care and love.

President Stephanopoulos was born in 1926 in Patras - I was very young at the time, probably not even born yet. [Laughter.] He studied law at the University of Athens, and upon completion he practised as a lawyer in the city of Patras from 1954 to 1974. His political involvement started as early as 1964 - I was still not born yet … [Laughter] … when he was first elected to the Greek parliament under the banner of the National Radical Union Party, representing the region of Arcachia.

He was subsequently elected as a deputy of the New Democracy Party from 1974 until 1985. In August 1985 President Stephanopoulos left the New Democracy Party and became the founding member of the Democratic Renewal Party in September of the same year. After four years he was elected to parliament under the banner of the Democratic Renewal Party.

Whilst in the National Radical Union Party, hon President Stephanopoulos assumed numerous government responsibilities after the collapse of the military regime in 1974. He has served as the under-secretary for commerce in the government of national unity, minister of interior, minister of social services and, finally, minister to the prime minister until October 1981.

After the elections for the European Parliament in June 1994, the Democratic Renewal Party was subsequently dissolved, and Mr Constantine Stephanopoulos withdrew from political activism until he was called upon to assume his new responsibilities as President of the Republic of Hellenic after the elections of 8 March 1995. On 8 February 2000 he was re-elected as President of the Republic of Hellenic, whose term runs until 2005. President Stephanopoulos has been awarded the highest of honours and decorations from numerous states. Lastly, the President has two sons - who might be older than I am - and one daughter.

Once more, I welcome President Constantine Stephanopoulos to South Africa. It is our firm belief that his visit to our country will cement and further improve relations between our countries. We are confident that this visit will further contribute positively to the process of our continental renewal, led by the African Union and further strengthened by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development - Nepad.

It is our firm belief that this century must and shall be the African century, and only through his ongoing support and interest in the African continent can we, indeed, deliver Africa from the shackles of poverty into prosperity and a better life for all. We thank him for gracing our Parliament with his presence, and may he feel at home. [Applause.]

 ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF HELLENIC

Madam Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, hon members of Parliament, it is a great honour for me to have this opportunity to address the Parliament of South Africa, for which I have deep respect.

Parliament as an institution is, in my view and indeed in reality, the most important and purest expression of democracy, and the only system of government worthy of man. It is in parliament that ideas are freely and creatively debated on an equal basis, and this constitutes the most important characteristic of a democratic political system.

Not only is it an honour, but it is also a great pleasure to be in this great country, so endowed with natural beauty and friendly people. Among them are the members of the Greek community, which has already been present here for more than a century and has experienced, with true satisfaction, together with the rest of the people of South Africa, the peaceful, democratic rebirth of this country during the past decade.

This Parliament represents a people that is demonstrably committed to the principles of peaceful, dignified and enterprising co-existence between different ethnic groups and religions, a people for whom the protection of the global values of freedom and democracy is a priority. It is true this great country has encountered serious difficulties on the road to freedom, equality and justice. However, the hard struggles and heroic sacrifices necessary for the success of this country’s great endeavours have borne valuable fruit and have made South Africa a source of inspiration to the whole world. Having managed to completely heal in such a wonderful way the wounds left by a hard and divisive past, this Parliament has been able to make this country a pioneer of development on the African continent.

Today South Africa enjoys general recognition as a leader and a factor of stability in this part of the world. The creation of the African Union, with South Africa the first country to hold the presidency of this organisation, is proof of this country’s role in the development effort of the whole continent. The appeal of South Africa’s initiatives in this framework, especially in relation to the proper use of natural resources and the effective protection of the environment, is underscored by the enthusiastic reception to President Thabo Mbeki’s initiative called the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.

The successful organisation of the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban last year as well as the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, constitute additional proof of the role South Africa plays in global issues.

Although geographically they are not neighbours, Greece and South Africa are linked by their common attitude in respect of international law and legal order, the inviolability of international borders, the defence of human rights and, last but not least, the implementation of United Nations resolutions. [Applause.]

In relation to the latter, I believe that both our countries recognise the important role that the United Nations plays in international matters, its contribution to date and its great potential in seeking solutions to the many issues of our world. The United Nations must be given all the necessary powers to contribute to the settlement of all chronic international problems, among which, as hon members are certainly aware, is the problem of the continued occupation of part of the Republic of Cyprus.

Greece lies between Europe and Africa, and Asia is a natural link between the neighbouring areas of these continents. As a result of this strategic position, our country suffers more than others the consequences of the crises in our wider region. We are therefore obliged to contribute as much as possible to their settlement.

As a member of the European Union and of Nato, Greece always tried, and has succeeded, in maintaining very close relations with the countries of its neighbourhood in the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus, in order to play, to the extent that is possible, a constructive and balancing role.

I believe I can say with certainty that the development and progress of humanity constitute a common and basic goal of all democratic governments and, of course, of both our countries. Nevertheless, besides our unanimous stand for progress and our persevering effort to achieve it, the obstacles are far from having been overcome, which obstacles are caused by the negative elements of our contemporary societies.

The tragic events of 11 September in New York and Washington, and also recently in Bali and Moscow, have shown that modern democracies should not be complacent. On the contrary, they should be vigilant in order to protect what people have struggled to achieve. Terrorism is a global threat that can only be countered by the joint efforts of all democratic countries within the framework of international law, and by eradicating its causes.

Another plague that the new century has inherited from the previous one is poverty, which brings with it criminality and the scourge of transmittable diseases. Many countries of the beautiful African continent are unfortunately suffering from poverty and its consequences. The economic and social development of Africa is important, not only to its inhabitants, but also to all of us - the whole world.

We live in the era of globalisation. Its main characteristics are the speed of communications, a worldwide market and the freedom of transactions. Nevertheless, alongside the obvious advantages of globalisation, the marginalisation of a great part of the world’s population proves that the system has failed to provide satisfactory answers to a number of major problems which concern a large part of our planet.

The prosperous cannot continue to prosper while the unfortunate continue to live in misfortune. [Applause.] We must strive to seek solutions to these vital problems. We must open up our minds and use our imagination in order to find ways to effectively relieve the burdened economies and smoothly integrate these countries into the global production and trade practices. We must find ways to facilitate these countries’ ability to sell their products and to relieve them of their excessive debt. Global co-operation should promote social justice and prosperity for all mankind, a task that is the responsibility mainly of the developed economies. Only by bridging the gap between the rich and the poor will it be possible for peace and security to prevail on earth. This is our duty to future generations. It is necessary to show more understanding, greater solidarity and certainly to provide more financial resources to the countries in need.

Our country, a member of the European Union, is happy about the constant strengthening of the bonds between South Africa and the European Union through the Agreement on Trade, Development and Co-operation. Greece, which will hold the presidency of the European Union during the first semester of next year, will try to be instrumental in making sure that the second European Union-Africa Summit of next year in April gives further impetus to the co-operation between the two sides, thereby bringing about benefits for the whole African continent. [Applause.]

Greece believes in the idea of a united Europe and is convinced of the necessity of its enlargement. The introduction of a single currency, the euro, is of historic importance. It will contribute decisively to further economic growth, and it will facilitate trade and price stability. There is, nevertheless, another important goal for Europe to be achieved: the adoption of a common foreign and defence policy. This new dimension will allow the European Union to play a more active role collectively in international affairs, not only economically, but also politically, which will serve its great noble ideals and its fundamental principles.

Tomorrow, continuing with my visit in this beautiful country, I shall take the tour of Robben Island, the place where human courage and a desire for dignity, equality, justice and freedom have proven that they can neither be imprisoned nor fettered in any way. [Applause.] A few months ago I had the opportunity of welcoming unofficially former President Mandela, and I was able to assure him of the great respect that the Greek people have for him, something which he himself also witnessed.

Let me, once more, express my deepest esteem for the people of South Africa and honour the victims of the struggle for freedom from apartheid. [Applause.] Looking at the future, I remain certain that Africa, with South Africa as the pioneer, has entered the new millennium in a dynamic way, and that it will continue to advance steadily on the road to progress and prosperity. [Applause.]

                           VOTE OF THANKS

Mrs S A SEATON: Madam Speaker, Chairperson of the NCOP, His Excellency the hon President of South Africa, President Mbeki, the hon President of the Hellenic Republic, President Stephanopoulos, Deputy President, Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ministers, members of Parliament, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a privilege for me today to thank the hon President Stephanopoulos.

We are privileged to have such a distinguished person in our midst. South Africa has enjoyed an excellent relationship with his country over the years, and there are very strong ties between our countries. The Greek community in South Africa numbers some 50 000 to 60 000 people, and it is to our advantage that the Greek government has encouraged this community not to leave, but rather to play a positive and constructive role wherever possible in South Africa, as they have done and continue to do.

Direct investment from Greece in South Africa is estimated at some US$350 million, and this rises to an estimated US$750 million if investments by Greek expatriates are taken into account. These investments are estimated to have created approximately 100 000 job opportunities in South Africa. Bilateral trade in our country has increased tremendously over the past two years, and certainly the tourism agreement that was signed in 1998 has been beneficial both to Greece and South Africa.

Whilst we have thousands of Greek countrymen and -women residing in our country, we also know that Greece is a popular tourist destination for South Africans. We must not forget Greece has in its midst our ambassador and ex-parliamentarian Jannie Momberg - our loss is their gain. [Applause.] We are also aware and very appreciative of the development aid that has been made available to South Africa for specific projects.

We share many concerns, as His Excellency has referred to, poverty being one of those concerns and something that we have really got to do something about. We look forward to the relationship we enjoy and we believe that it will continue and strengthen in the future.

It has been a pleasure to have His Excellency in South Africa and hear him speak. I am certain I speak for all when I say thank you to His Excellency. We wish him a pleasant stay. May he enjoy the rest of his stay in South Africa, and may he have a safe journey back to his own country. We are certain he will want to return for another visit to our magnificent South Africa. Sas efcharistó, Kyrié Proéthre. [Thank you, Mr President]. [Applause.]

The Joint Sitting rose at 14:28.