|
Statement on the Bus Bombing in Megiddo
and the Bombardment of President Arafat's Ramallah Headquarters
The South African Government welcomed the statement
by the PNA, which re-iterated its condemnation of bomb
attacks against Israeli citizens, and in particular
the bomb blast yesterday on a bus in the Megiddo area
resulting in sixteen fatalities. The South African Government
re-iterates its condemnation of such acts of terror
resulting in tragic losses of civilian lives that can
only serve the ends of extremists and warmongers on
both sides of the conflict.
The South African Government was further dismayed to
learn of the incursion by the Israeli Defence Forces
into Ramallah last night and, in particular, of the
destruction wrought yet again on the offices of President
Arafat resulting in the death of one of his security
officers.
"The majority of Israelis and Palestinians crave
peace and security" Deputy Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Aziz Pahad, said today. "We join those
peace loving Israelis and Palestinians who share their
grief in condemning the tragic attack in Megiddo. We
further renounce the IDF reaction to this tragedy. The
bombardment of President Arafat's headquarters is a
vindictive act that will not deliver peace and security
to Israel."
The Deputy Minister went on to say: "How many
people must die in this conflict before Israel will
realise that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian
people to self determination cannot be thwarted by military
might and attacks on their legitimate, elected leader?
When will they realise that closures, blockades and
incursions are not making Israelis safe and secure -
indeed they are making Israeli civilians into targets
of misguided frustration and despair?"
Mr Pahad further stated: "South Africa welcomed
the visit of CIA Director George Tenet to the region
this week and firmly offers its support to all international
efforts towards ending the conflict. We call on the
international community, in particular the 'Quartet',
to intensify their work in this regard.
It is the responsibility of all members of the international
community to ensure that those who use violence and
force do not silence the voice of peace and justice.
South Africa re-affirms and recommits itself to the
goal of finding a peaceful, equitable settlement to
the conflict, as envisaged by the Arab League peace
proposals, in which Israel and Palestine may live side
by side in sovereign statehood and good neighbourliness."
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
6th June 2002
|
