Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
23 September 2002
The South African Government is gravely concerned at the Israeli destruction and the continuing siege of President Arafat's office compound in Ramallah and the killing of 4 Palestinians.
South Africa joins nations of the world in condemning the use of excessive military force and attacks on the person and infrastructure of the democratically elected leader of the Palestinian people, President Arafat. South Africa calls on Israel to cease this policy.
South Africa re-iterates its view that there can be no military solution to the conflict.
Only a genuinely negotiated political solution, establishing a sovereign Palestinian State, can bring justice and peace to the Middle East. We call on Israel to take the bravest step of all by immediately halting its military actions, withdrawing from Palestinian controlled areas and putting an end to this cycle of animosity.
For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.