Media Statement
28 November 2020
South Africa calls for calm in the Middle East, following the assassination of Iran’s Dr Mohsehn Fakhrizadeh
The South African Government has condemned the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist, Dr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, on Friday, 27 November 2020, in the strongest terms.
In her response, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, expressed her condemnation of the assassination and noted that it was the second prominent Iranian citizen who was killed in this manner in 2020. She stated that the targeted killing of Iranians will not lead to peace, but will further exacerbate the volatility of the region.
Extra judicial killings of this nature have a destabilising effect and the perpetrators of such actions must be brought to justice.
The Minister said: “We commend the restraint of the Iranian Government, despite the continued unfair targeting and outside interference in the affairs of the country.”
The Minister reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the basic principle that peace and security in the Middle East should be achieved and sustained in accordance with, and in full respect for international law and the UN Charter.
She appealed that all states should work towards lasting peace and security within the Middle East region through dialogue, rather than confrontation, and that South Africa stands ready to assist in this regard.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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