|
Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad Concludes
Visit to Syria and Lebanon
Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad, today. Tuesday, 27th May
2003 in Lebanon, Beirut, met with the Acting Foreign
Minister and the Minister of Information, Michel Samaha
and the Speaker of Parliament and leader of the Shi'ite
sect, Nabih Berri. The Deputy Minister will later today
also meet with the Hizbolah leadership.
This follows very successful discussions in Damascus,
Syria on Monday, 26th May 2003 - during which Deputy
Minister Pahad met with the Foreign Minister and Deputy
Prime Minister, Farouq al-Sharaa and Deputy Minister
of Foreign Affairs Issa Darwish.
In all the meetings, it was reiterated that South Africa
shared a common vision regarding a number of multilateral
issues with Syria and Lebanon and that conditions should
be created for increased interaction to discuss bilateral
and multilateral issues.
Discussions focused on the need to find a comprehensive
and negotiated solution to the situation in the Middle
East, including settlements to the Syrian and Lebanese
tracks. It was reiterated that both a Palestinian and
Israeli state must exist side by side for a peaceful,
sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Both the Syrian and the Lebanese principals expressed
their support for the Middle East "Road Map"
for peace since the Palestinians have accepted this
plan. This plan must now be implemented unconditionally
and supported by the international community.
The aftermath of the invasion of Iraq and consequences
for the region was also discussed. It was stressed that
the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq should be
maintained.
Concern was expressed regarding the volatility of the
situation. In this regard, the increased incidents of
terrorism was discussed as well as the effects of these
on regional and global peace and security. It was mentioned
that it is essential to distinguish between terrorism
and legitimate struggle accepted by international law
and the UN Charter.
It was also agreed that to strengthen multilateralism,
interaction with global role players should be maintained
and encouraged. The visit by Deputy Minister Pahad comes
amid intensive diplomatic activities in the region by
international leaders.
In addition the Syrian government expressed satisfaction
that South Africa will shortly open a Mission in Damascus
to give impetus to the bilateral relations between both
countries.
The Lebanese authorities have also expressed the need
for South African representation in view of the number
of Lebanese citizens in Sub-Saharan and especially South
Africa.
In both Syria and Lebanon, the potential for economic
relations is substantial. The meetings were of the view
that both the private sector and parastatals in South
Africa should exploit these windows of opportunities
for expansion in the region.
The Deputy Minister will depart on Wednesday, 28th
May 2003 for the United Arab Emirates.
For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082
990 4853.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
27 May 2003
|
