JOINT RULES COMMITTEE ANNEXURE C

REPORT OF THE TASK TEAM ON PARLIAMENT'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS POLICY TO THE JOINT RULES COMMITTEE


(Approved by Task Team on 8 March 2006)


In accordance with the directives of the Joint Rules Committee at its meeting on 24 August 2005, the Presiding Officers established a Task Team to develop an international relations policy for Parliament, which should be informed by national foreign policy, the Task Team


(a) to consist of 8 members, as follows: ANC (4, including at least one from the NCOP); DA (1), IFP (1) and other parties (2).


(b) the Task Team to complete its work by end of October for purposes of reporting to the Joint Rules Committee.


The Task Team was comprised of Mr K 0 Bapela (Convenor), Ms F Hajaig (ANC), Mr S J Njikelana (ANC), Mr D J Sithole (ANC), Mr V V Z Windvoel (ANC-NCOP), Mr M J Ellis (DA), Mr J H van der Merwe (lFP), Dr C P Mulder and Mr L W Greyling (other parties).


At its meeting on 26 October 2005, the Joint Rules Committee agreed that the Task Team be given additional time to complete its task, the Task Team to present a report to the Joint Rules Committee at its first meeting in 2006.


The Task Team met on several occasions and was briefed comprehensively by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Following its deliberations, the Task Team now presents to the Joint Rules Committee a document entitled "Draft Policy Perspectives and Operational Guidelines for Parliament's Involvement and Engagement in International Relations" for consideration.


Recommendations:


K 0 BAPELA

Convenor: Task Team on Parliament's International Relations Policy 8 March 2006