South African Government Condemns Assassination of Hamas Founder and Spiritual Leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin

The South African government condemns the assassination of Hamas founder and spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in Palestine on Monday, 22 March 2004.

Such extra judicial assassinations are in contravention of international law and relevant United Nations conventions and only serves to strengthen those not committed to achieving peace in the Middle East.

It is generally accepted that Sheikh Yassin was a moderating influence and it is reported that he was seeking to find a political solution to the challenges being experienced by Israelis and Palestinians.

Such acts will inevitably lead to retaliation and massive counter-retaliation. We therefore call on the Palestinians to maintain restraint and not provide a pre-text on which further acts of violence and destruction will be carried out against them.

Such acts will further continue to erode any progress being made in the implementation of the Roadmap and will eventually lead to the complete cessation of implementation.
In addition, the South African government reiterates that the only way to end violence and such extra judicial acts is to end the occupation of Palestinian territories and for both sides to return to unconditional negotiations.

We also call on the United Nations and the international community to act decisively to create the conditions for the two state solution to be realised. Continuing Israeli occupation, destruction of infrastructure, collective punishment and extrajudicial assassinations will make the realization of such a solution increasingly difficult.

For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

C/o Department of Foreign Affairs

Private Bag X152

Pretoria

0001

22 March 2004