Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
8 January 2002
In consultation with key role-players involved in the Middle East peace process, President Thabo Mbeki will host a Presidential Retreat in South Africa from 9-11 January 2002. The Retreat will be attended by senior participants from Palestine, led by former Minister Saeb Erekat and Minister Zaid Abu Ziad, and from Israel led by former Justice Minister Yossi Beilin and Speaker of the Knesset Avraham Burg. Several current and former South African Cabinet Ministers will attend as well.
The principal aims of the Retreat are:
1. To support the ongoing initiatives towards the creation of a favourable environment to restart peace negotiations;
2. Share the South African experience in negotiations, peacemaking and transition to democracy;
3. Support the strengthening of the peace camps in Palestine and Israel as well as the general dynamic towards peace.
The Retreat is a supportive initiative, bringing the participants together in an informal environment conducive to sharing the experiences and exploring creatively how to move the Middle East peace process forward.
A press conference will follow the retreat and members of the press would be advised accordingly.
For more details contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa 082-9904853