Support by the South African Government for peaceful negotiations in the current conflict between Israel and Palestine
QUOTE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO: 46 (NO1088E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 9-2014 OF 19 AUGUST 2014.
Mr M A Mncwango (IFP) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
(a) How is the Government (a) providing support for peaceful negotiations in the current conflict between Israel and Palestine?
(b) Able to maintain a status of impartiality in the face of biased comments made and support shown by members of the Government and
(c) Assisting with humanitarian support in the region? NO1088E
REPLY:
(a) The South African Government has called on both the Hamas and Israel to conclude an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza to allow the people of Gaza to rebuild their shattered lives. The Government of South Africa has also called on both Israel and the Unity Government of the Palestinian National Authority to resume serious negotiations towards a permanent resolution to this conflict, which is a two-state solution of a viable Palestine existing side-by-side and in peace with Israel within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders based on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
The above mentioned policy position of South Africa has been communicated bilaterally to both Palestine and Israel and also in the multilateral for a. Furthermore, President Jacob Zuma has appointed former Minister, Dr Zola Skweyiya and former Deputy Minister, Mr Aziz Pahad as Special Envoys on Palestine-Israel conflict. As part of their mandate, the Special Envoys have travelled to Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia to convey the above message.
(b) South Africa remains in total solidarity with the people of Palestine in their fight for freedom and self-determination. South Africa also maintains cordial bilateral relations with the State of Israel.
(c) South Africa has pledge US$1 million towards humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Furthermore, the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Health have offered to assist in treating injured Palestinian children in South Africa.
UNQUOTE
|
