Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
25 0ctober 2000
The Middle East Task Team met a representative of the South African Council of Churches, Mr Eddie Makue, on Wednesday 25 October 2000.
Both parties agreed to issue the following statement:
1. The Government of South Africa and the South African Council of Churches are committed to a peaceful resolution of the crisis 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 all religious communities in South Africa to make a commitment not to let the Middle East conflict lead to disturbances of the public order and 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 all 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 order and peace will prevail.
3. The South African Government informed the South African Council of Churches that it is in the process of consultations on the Middle East Crisis with interested parties, including the Muslim and Jewish communities in South Africa.
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