Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
26 May 2000
The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes the military withdrawal by Israel from South Lebanon, and the willingness of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to take urgent steps to ensure full compliance with all requirements of Security Council Resolution 425.
South Africa regards adherence to the obligations of the Security Council Resolutions as a key factor in the successful conclusion of a comprehensive peace in the region.
The Department expresses the hope that Israel's Government would be strengthened by the extensive public support shown for Prime Minister Barak's decisions in this regard, as this would allow Israel's leaders similar courage to confront the sacrifices necessary to implement fully, Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 in respect of Palestinian and Syrian territory still occupied by Israeli military forces.
The Department of Foreign Affairs urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint at this tense and crucial stage of the peace process.