Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim hold meetings in Cairo, 24 April 2010.

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim today, Saturday 24 April 2010, held meetings with Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs, Ambassador Mohamed Kassem at the Foreign Ministry and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, HE Amer Moussa at the headquarters of the Arab League, respectively. The meetings took place within the context of the Middle East tour by Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim aimed at exchanging views with the regional role-players on the Middle East peace process.

In his interaction with Ambassador Mohamed Kassem, Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim received a briefing on the situation in Middle East and the Egyptian Government’s position on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Assistant Foreign Minister Kassen reiterated the need for the Palestinian people to forge unity in advancing their cause for an independent Palestinian State. While in his talks with HE Amer Moussa Deputy Minister was apprised of the Arab League’s commitment to renewed peace efforts in Middle East and the need for putting in place  confidence building measures on both sides of the conflicting parties.

On his side in both meetings Deputy Minister articulated the Government’s position that a comprehensive peace in the Middle East remains crucial, not only for the peoples and countries of the region, but also for international peace and security. In this context the Deputy Minister indicated that the only viable option is to find a negotiated settlement in order to ensure a two-state solution, with the creation of a sovereign, democratic, independent, Palestinian State existing side-by-side in peace with Israel, within secure and internationally recognized borders.

The South African Government remains convinced that negotiations are the only way to end the conflict and to bring about an end to the occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian territories.

Deputy Minister Ebrahim is expected to depart for Damascus, Syria on 25 April 2010 to further engage senior politicians in Syria in order to gain a greater understanding of the regional dynamics and prospects for the resumption in negotiations.

For more information contact Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Molobi on 082 940 1647.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria, 0001

24 April 2010.