9 October 2000
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Aziz Pahad said, "The South African Government deeply deplores the further escalation of tensions and consequent violence that threatens to engulf the Middle East Region. It also condemns the desecration of Holy Sites and calls for the restoration of their sanctity and assurance of unhindered access to them by all worshippers.
The Government of South Africa further implores all the leaders in the Middle East to recommit themselves to the Middle East Peace Process, to refrain from acts and statements that exacerbate the already volatile situation and instead recommit themselves to the constructive resolution of the crisis."
He added, " South Africa fully supports United Nation Security Council resolutions which inter alia, deplores the provocation carried out at Al-Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem on 28 September 2000, and the subsequent violence there and at other Holy Places, as well as in other areas throughout the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, resulting in over 80 Palestinian deaths and many other casualties; condemns acts of violence, especially the excessive use of force against Palestinians, resulting in injury and loss of human life and calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to abide scrupulously by its legal obligations and its responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949.
South Africa fully supports the establishing of an International mechanism for a speedy and objective inquiry into the tragic events of the last few days with the aim of preventing their repetition, and welcomes any efforts in this regard and calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations within the Middle East Peace Process on the agreed basis with the aim of reaching, as soon as possible, a final selttlement between the Israeli and Palestinian sides."
The South African Government, taking cognisance of its own historical experience, reiterates its support for the continuation of negotiations conducted freely and in good faith. South Africa fully supports all current initiatives, including the current initiative of the United Nations Secretary General, to defuse the current volatile situation in the Middle East.
Only the speedy resolution of the Final Status issues can assure a lasting peace in the Middle East.
For more information contact Basetsana Thokoane Cell no 083 443 7740
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRIVATE BAG X152
Pretoria