President Mbeki congratulates new Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert

Tshwane - President Thabo Mbeki today Thursday 4 May 2006 joined world leaders in congratulating Ehud Olmert on his scheduled assumption of the office of the Prime Minister of Israel.

"On behalf of the government and people of South Africa may I join the peoples of Israel and indeed the entire world community in extending our warmest congratulations to you on the assumption of the office of Prime Minister of Israel.

"In this regard, the government and people of South Africa expresses its hope that the election mandate received from the people of Israel will help lay a firm foundation for a rapid movement towards the creation of climate conducive for peace in the region.

"Accordingly, South Africa stands ready to lend a hand to efforts by the international community in assisting the peoples of both Israel and Palestine to bring an end to conflict and to live peacefully side by side within safe and secure borders.

"South Africa looks forward to the strengthening and consolidation of bilateral relations between the two countries in the best interests of both the people of Israel and South Africa," concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

4 May 2006