South African Government welcomes UN Resolution calling for Israeli - Lebanese Ceasefire

Pretoria - The South African government welcomes the Security Council Resolution 1701 [2006] adopted on 11 August 2006, which called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.

This Resolution opens up the possibilities of a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive agreement for the whole region.

It is regrettable that the Security Council was only able to act after five weeks of violence. Not only has the intensity of the Israeli response blatantly violated international law and the Geneva Convention, it has resulted in over a thousand deaths, thousands of injuries, over a million displaced people, and the massive destruction of many parts of Lebanon.

The wanton destruction of Lebanese property and the catastrophic humanitarian tragedy demands that the international community responds urgently and positively to the needs of the Lebanese people and conditions must be created to enable the humanitarian agencies to do their work unhindered and in safety.

The South African government urges all parties to maintain the cessation of hostilities and work for a comprehensive solution based on the Lebanese Prime Minister's 7-point plan and the relevant UN Resolutions.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

14 August 2006