The Department of Foreign Affairs, following upon meetings between President Arafat of Palestine with President Mandela and Deputy President Mbeki, reiterated that South Africa continues to support the right of the Palestinian people to full and unrestricted self determination. In accordance with this principle, South Africa in an affirmative act of recognition, established full diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine in February 1995, an act which dignifies the Palestinian people with the same right to statehood as for example the people of Israel. Accordingly, South Africa recognises the right of the Palestinian people to declare their statehood, without any restriction.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
13 APRIL 1999