Statement on the Arrest of Marwan Bargouthi

The Department of Foreign Affairs expresses its grave concern at the implication of the arrest of Marwan Bargouthi by the Israeli authorities over the weekend.

Accordingly, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday 16 April, called in the Ambassador of Israel, Ms Tova Herzl, to convey the view of the South African Government that Israel must ensure the safety and well being of Mr Bargouthi.

It is the considered view of the South African Government that any harm that may result from his internment can only lead to provocation of a backlash from the Palestinians given his standing among the Palestinians.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, said, "The South African Government is disappointed that the Government of Israel has taken this measure, during the welcome visit of US Secretary of State Colin Powell to the region, as it can be taken by the Palestinian people as a signal that Israel is not serious about implementing measures towards a peaceful negotiated solution".

The Government of South Africa re-iterates its belief that the continuing attempts to destroy the infrastructure of the Palestinian National Authority and its legitimately elected leadership by the State of Israel can only serve to undermine efforts being made by Secretary of State Colin Powell and other international efforts to achieve a cease-fire and resumption of negotiations.

In this regard, the Department of Foreign Affairs further held discussions with the Spanish Head of Mission to Pretoria, in view of Spain’s current Presidency of the European Union, to convey to the EU that efforts should be made to ensure the safety of Bargouthi.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

P/Bag X152

Pretoria

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17 April 2002