20 October 2000
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE MEETING BETWEEN THE DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER OF SOUTH AFRICA, MR AZIZ PAHAD WITH THE DELEGATION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES
The South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, accompanied by Mr Jerry Matsila, Deputy Director-General: Asia and Middle East and Mr I M Mogotsi, Director: Levant, met a delegation from the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, led by their National Chairman, Mr. Rusell Gaddin, on Friday 20 October 2000.
Both parties agreed to issue the following statement:
1.. The Government of South Africa and the SA Jewish community are committed to the Peace Process in the Middle East and believe that the current conflict in that area can only be resolved through negotiation. They therefore urge for an immediate end to violent confrontations both physically and rhetorically in order for the peace process to continue with the dignity and seriousness that the situation calls for.
2.. Both parties also make an earnest appeal to both the Muslim and Jewish communities in South Africa not to let the Middle East conflict lead to disturbances of the public peace in South Africa. Any statements, protests and demonstrations in favour of either side in the Middle East should be peaceful and non-provocative. We appeal to both sides in South Africa to ensure that their support for what happens in the Middle East should not inflame passions in our country and should ensure that civil peace will prevail.
3.. The South African Government informed the South African Jewish Board of Deputies that it is in the process of consultations on the Middle East Crisis with interested parties, including also with the Muslim and Christian communities in South Africa.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT DUMISANI RASHELENG
OFFICE NO. : (012) 351-0067/0128
CELL NO. : 083 709 8166
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
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