The Department of Foreign Affairs today expressed its concern at the blockade by the Israel Defence Forces and their ally, the South Lebanon Army, of the village of Arnoun in southern Lebanon.
The Department condemned the action which reinforces Israel's continuing occupation of the southern part of Lebanon. The Department further described the blockade as yet another example of Israel's disregard for the sovereignty of its northern neighbour, as well as for the well-being of the citizens of Lebanon.
The Department of Foreign Affairs pointed to the fact that such actions serve merely to perpetuate the cycle of mistrust and fear in the region and are inevitably followed by violent acts of revenge on civilian centres in northern Israel.
The Department called on the Government of Israel to revive and honour the spirit of peacemaking which led to the Oslo Peace Accords.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
19 FEBRUARY 1999