South African Government on its position on the Middle East Situation

Pretoria: The South African government has noted with concern a number of factually incorrect articles regarding its supposed position on the dissolution of the Palestinian government by President Abbas and its replacement with an emergency interim government. South Africa did not block an initiative in the Security Council to endorse President Abbas's decision as claimed and in fact, there never was such an initiative in the first place.

According to the Palestinian Basic Law, the President of the National Authority has the right to declare a state of emergency, to dissolve government and institute an emergency government. This emergency government must however be ratified by two thirds of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) if the President wishes it to continue its tenure longer than 30 days. South Africa has therefore acknowledged the legality of the measures taken by President Abbas and has urged the President and the new Cabinet to take steps to bring about peace and security in Gaza and work towards attaining unity of Gaza and the West Bank. South Africa has clearly stated that the military take over of Gaza by Hamas and the wanton destruction of property cannot be justified.

South Africa has also urged the Israeli government to lift the severe restrictions on the freedom of movement of the Palestinians and to release Palestinian tax funds and also called on the Quartet to immediately lift sanctions imposed on the Palestinians.

For more info, contact:

Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
26 June 2007