Statement by South African Government on Visit to Israel by Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba

The Department of Foreign Affairs rejects with the contempt it deserves the report that the visit to Israel by the Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba signified a snub to the government of Israel.

Firstly, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad had to postpone a scheduled visit to Israel in February 2004 due to the unavailability of principals with whom to consult.

Secondly, the consultations at which the Director-General of Foreign Affairs,Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba will represent the Department and consequently the government of South Africa is held at the level of Directors-General. It would therefore be inappropriate for the Deputy Minister Aziz to be part of the delegation to Israel.

Thirdly, we reject the notion that Deputy Minister Pahad will engage with "Israel's arch enemies." During his visit to the region, the Deputy Minister is scheduled to visit four countries - Iran, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. The Deputy Minister is scheduled to meet his counterparts in each of the countries for bilateral political and economic discussions and on issues of mutual global concern.

The government of South Africa has always maintained that it would continue to have good bilateral relations with all role-players in the Middle East conflict since the only way to contribute to the resolution of the current crisis is through dialogue.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

26 August 2004