Ireland plans to review and amend its Economic Activity Management Bill 2018, known as the Occupied Territories Bill, which could lead to Dublin imposing a trade embargo on Israel.
In an exclusive interview with email and guardianIreland's Ambassador to South Africa, Austin Gormley, reflected on Ireland's role in South Africa as the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations.
“[We are] We are continuing to consider these amendments at the official level, and the measures adopted will focus only on the occupied territories, thus forming part of our policy of distinguishing between the State of Israel and the territories illegally occupied by Israel. becomes. '' Gormley said.
But he warned that the bill would only be finalized after the Irish general election on November 29.
“It will be up to the next government to decide on the course of action to move the bill forward,” he said.
Earlier this month, Ireland announced it would intervene in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for violating international law.
In December, South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel at the ICJ, alleging that the Gaza War violated the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, an accusation Israel strongly denies.
Ireland joins several countries that have supported South Africa's case, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile and Libya.
Ireland also confirmed the appointment of a full Palestinian ambassador, rather than a representative, after formally recognizing the Palestinian state in May.
Mr Gormley confirmed that Ireland had written to European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell about the need for EU member states to consider the implications of Israel's relationship with the region.
The Ambassador said Ireland understood the impact of apartheid rule from its own history.
Ireland has been vocal against South Africa's apartheid regime since the early 1960s. In a show of solidarity, he gave political prisoner Nelson Mandela the freedom of the city of Dublin in 1988. Mr. Mandela received the award upon his release in 1990.
Ireland was the only EU country that did not have full diplomatic relations with South Africa until 1993, and opened an Irish embassy in Pretoria in 1994 after the first democratic elections.
Mr Gormley said the Irish government's decision to move ahead with bilateral relations later than European countries was a well-considered one.
“This was intentional because we wanted to make sure that the transition was going well and that the departure from the apartheid regime was included before we established the relationship,” he said.
Since then, Ireland has established trade and economic ties to further its missionary strategy to southern Africa.
South Africa was the first sub-Saharan African country in which Enterprise Ireland established an office. Exports of Irish goods to South Africa in 2022 increased by 25% to €448 million, while exports of South African goods to Ireland doubled from €151 million to €315 million in the same period.
Irish companies have a significant presence in South Africa, employing more than 12,500 people, particularly in the service sector such as insurance, finance and computer services, and account for approximately 75% of total trade.
Gormley added that even if South Africa forms its first coalition government, bilateral agreements will not change.
“The fundamental relationship is strong, both with the previous government and with this one, based on our values and common interests,” the ambassador said.
“Again, Irish companies consider South Africa to be their home.” [for] That is undoubtedly welcome, as the new government's mandate is to renew its focus on economic reform, eliminate infrastructure bottlenecks and foster conditions for economic growth. ”
The Irish community in South Africa is growing, according to embassy statistics. There are approximately 40,000 Irish nationals in the country, and active diaspora networks such as the Irish South African Association and Business Ireland South Africa are supported through the Irish Government Immigration Support Programme.
In July, the Irish government announced that South African and Botswana passport holders would need a visa to enter the country.
Mr Gormley defended the decision, saying it affected “free movement” between the two countries as Ireland is in a common travel area with the UK.
“Ireland is unusual in not having a visa regime for South African nationals, whereas the UK does, so part of the rationale is to align with the UK to protect the common travel area.” said.
The ambassador added that another reason for this decision was the increase in the number of fake passports in South Africa.
“We have had discussions for many years with the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office on this issue and potential loopholes, because, as I say, some of these passport holders , there were also holders of fraudulently obtained passports.'' And unfortunately, there has been no progress in that regard in recent years. ”
Mr Gormley said he could not speak for the Irish government, but said: “The visa regime will not be lifted soon unless, for example, the UK or Schengen lift their visa requirements, or unless there is a significant improvement in the Irish government's problems. “Maybe,” he suggested. passport”.
Ireland has seen an increase in protests against asylum seekers and migrants in recent months, with demonstrators calling it “state neglect”.
Mr Gormley said that while citizens have the right to protest, there are “smaller groups who are exploiting the situation to advance their own agendas, sometimes far-right and sometimes racist elements”. He said that he believed that it included.
Asked what the anti-immigration protests meant for South Africans living in Ireland, the ambassador said Ireland “welcomes immigrants”.
Gormley promotes the relationship between South Africa and Ireland through educational programs such as the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa and the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, cultural initiatives such as the Maxeke Robinson Studies Chair and exchanges in sport, particularly rugby. He said he is optimistic about the future relationship. It speaks to the rich tapestry of heritage and mutual respect we share. ”
Mr Gormley said Ireland was in “no rush” to leave the EU as deep cooperation between member states had a positive impact on peace and security in the region.
“It's fundamental to our interests. We have a voice at the table and we have a broader market.”
