Minister Dlamini Zuma Depart for Middle East Peace Conference, USA

 Pretoria – South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will today Saturday 24 November 2007 depart for the United States of America where she will represent the country at the Middle East Peace Conference scheduled from Monday – Wednesday 26-28 November 2007. 

The Conference is also expected to be attended by representatives of the Quartet, Arab League, United Nations Security Council, Group of 8, Organisation of Islamic Conference and others.

Although South Africa has previously been involved in the Spier Initiative led by President Thabo Mbeki to bring together Palestinians and Israelis in an effort to help find a solution to the Middle East conflict, this is the first time South Africa has been invited to participate in a Conference alongside the Quartet to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will participate in the Middle East Peace Conference as part of South Africa’s efforts to contribute to a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  In this regard, South Africa hopes to contribute its experience in the transition from Apartheid to democracy as part of international efforts to help bring about peace in the Middle East.

The Conference will serve as a launching pad for three simultaneous processes: permanent status negotiations; implementation of the first phase of the 2003 Quartet Roadmap; and gradual Arab-Israeli diplomatic engagement. The idea is for the two sides to reach a peace agreement; present it to their respective publics through elections or referendums and so ensure Roadmap compliance.

Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on Thursday 29 November 2007.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001