Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT IN REACTION TO THE ATTACK ON AN ISRAELI BUS NEAR THE BORDER WITH JORDAN
The Department of Foreign Affairs condemns, in the strongest possible terms, today's senseless attack on a bus carrying civilian passengers near Israel's border with Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of seven children. The Department conveys its condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
An appeal is made to all sides to abide by their commitment to seek a negotiated peace in the region. One of the grave dangers of the current crisis is that it provides a pretext to those opposed to peace to exploit widespread perceptions that the present Likud-led Government is not seriously committed to the quest for a just and equitable solution to the problems of the region. In fact, President Arafat signalled his concern in this regard during discussions with an official South African delegation which visited Palestine during the past week-end.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 13 MARCH 1997