South African Government Condemns Violence and counter Violence in the Middle East

Pretoria: South African President Kgalema Motlanthe has today, Saturday, 27 December 2008 expressed government’s deepest concern at the escalation of violence between the Israelis and the Palestinians. This follows Israeli attacks on Saturday, which resulted in the death of approximately 195 Palestinians, civilians included, as well as the recent rocket attacks launched by Hamas.

 The South African Government reiterates that violence is counterproductive to efforts aimed at bringing about lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. In this regard, President Motlanthe reiterated that “Violence and counter-violence will not advance the cause of both the Israelis and the Palestinians and thus neither strength nor efforts must be spared by the Palestinians and the Israelis in an effort to find an amicable solution to their problem” said President Motlanthe.

He further stated that “Accordingly, We further call for the cessation of hostilities between the two parties whilst calling for the international community to do everything in their power to bring about a two – State solution with an independent Palestinian state co-existing side by side with an Israel State, existing within secure borders as a lasting solution to the ongoing Middle East conflict, concluded President Motlanthe”.

Issued by: NOMFANELO KOTA: 082 459 3787

Department of Foreign Affairs
Union Buildings, Tshwane

27 December 2008