Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions which have been held between EU officials and their counterparts in South Africa in the context of a changing government in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34207/08]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent developments in South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34074/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 28 together.

On 20 September, the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee "recalled" President Thabo Mbeki as President of South Africa, as a result of comments made by a judge in relation to the prosecution of former Deputy President Jacob Zuma. President Mbeki immediately handed his resignation to the Speaker of Parliament, to take effect once his successor was elected. ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe was elected President of South Africa in a parliamentary vote on 25 September. This change of President took place in accordance with the South African constitution.

In his address to the nation following his election, President Kgalema Motlanthe paid tribute to the durability of South Africa's constitutional order and the vibrancy of its democracy. He committed the new executive to continuity in economic policy. The key priorities of his government will be to reduce unemployment, improve healthcare and tackle crime and poverty.

The EU issued a statement on 29 September expressing its warmest wishes for the success of President Motlanthe's work, and paying tribute to the achievements of former President Mbeki. On behalf of the people of Ireland, President McAleese has written to congratulate President Motlanthe on his new position. The Government welcomes the fact that the change of Government in South Africa happened very smoothly, and we look forward to continuing our good working relationship with South Africa under this new administration.

Both Ireland and the EU have continued their routine diplomatic contacts with South Africa throughout the changeover period, as is usual when an orderly change of Government takes place. The next meeting of the EU Co-operation Council with South Africa will take place in Cape Town 20-21 October, and this will be the next opportunity for political dialogue between the EU and South Africa. Finally, I should like to make the point that South Africa continues to be a source of stability in the southern African region, and an important partner for both Ireland and the EU.