South Africa Condemns Palestinian Violence

Pretoria - South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad today, Thursday 17 May, expressed South Africa's concern over the continuing violent clashes between armed Palestinian factions affiliated to the Fatah Movement and the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) in Palestine.

In this regard, Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad " regrets the deaths of more than 40 Palestinians over the last 5 days coming in the wake of efforts by the Arab League to boost the Arab Peace Initiative on the international scene.

"It is the view of the South African Government that the Palestinian infighting would complicate the quest for peace by drawing the attention away from this critical opportunity to take the Peace Process forward" continued Deputy Minister Pahad.

"The South African Government therefore joins calls by both Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh for efforts to keep the Palestinian Government of national Unity intact" said Deputy Minister Pahad.

"The collapse of the National Unity Government would only serve the interests of those who do not want to see Israelis and Palestinians living in peace with each other, in separate states within internationally recognised borders. South Africa, accordingly, calls on all Palestinians to end the violence and re-focus the Palestinian leadership on the Peace Process" concluded Deputy Minister Pahad.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/ Bag X152
Pretoria

17 May 2007