Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE.
Greetings to the people of Palestine and Chairman Yasser Arafat on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. We extend our hand of friendship and solidarity across the miles, and express our support for the struggle of Palestinians for self-determination in a state of their own.
The South African Government unequivocally reaffirms its support for the Middle East Peace Process as the only practicable means to end decades of conflict and to permit the region to achieve the prosperity which only peace can bring.
On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the South African Government wishes to express its unqualified support for the rights of all Palestinians to self-determination and statehood, so that they can live in dignity and achieve the prosperity and security they deserve.
Nelson Mandela President of the Republic of South Africa.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 04 DECEMBER 1997.