Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE LEBANESE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH SOUTH LEBANON AND THE WESTERN BEKAA
The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to express its solidarity with the Government and People of Lebanon on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Israel's occupation of Lebanese territory on 14 March 1998.
The Department of Foreign Affairs renews its call on the Government of Israel to unconditionally withdraw its forces from South Lebanon in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 425 and to allow for the implementation of resolution 426 so that peace can return to the area.
The Department reiterates that it is only in a spirit of goodwill and with a commitment to dialogue that Israel will be able to achieve a durable peace with its Arab neighbours. The Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirms its belief that all countries in the Middle East have the right to live in safety within their internationally recognised borders.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 13 MARCH 1998