The responds regarding  the attacks against Israel since the death of eight Israelis on the Eilat Highway on 18 August 2011 and the attack on teenagers at a back-to-school party on 28 August 2011

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 2571   (NW2984E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 28-2011 OF 9 SEPTEMBER 2011

Ms C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. Whether her Department has responded with regard to the attacks against Israel since the death of eight Israelis on the Eilat Highway on 18 August 2011 and the attack on teenagers at a back-to-school party on 28 August 2011; if so, what form did the response take; if not,
   
2. whether she has found evidence that her Department’s silence on attacks against Israel will have an impact on peace efforts in the Middle East; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
3. whether she will make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

1. The Department regularly condemns – through media statements; in appropriate multilateral fora, such as the United Nations; as well as in bilateral consultations – all forms of violence, whether from government or non-government sources, as a means of advancing a particular political agenda. With respect to the matter in question, South Africa as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council at present, participated in Security Council discussions on the issue.
   
   
2. The position of the South African Government on the Arab-Israeli peace process is well-known internationally and frequently articulated in statements in fora such as the UN Security Council; the UN General Assembly; and the Non-aligned Movement. South Africa consistently calls for an all-inclusive negotiated solution leading to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders, based on those prevailing on 4 June 1967, before the start of the so-called Six-Day Arab-Israeli war. Our position is also regularly communicated in our bilateral engagements with the Israelis, Palestinians and other concerned parties.
   
   
3. In the circumstances, a statement on the issue is not considered necessary.

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