permission to United Nations (UN) mission to Beit Hanoun
13 December 2006
The South African government today Wednesday, 13 December 2006, expressed
its disappointment at the decision by the government of Israel not to grant
permission to the mission mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council
(UNHRC) led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu to investigate the deaths of the 19
Palestinians in Beit Hanoun in November and called on the government of Israel
to reconsider its decision.
The South African government reiterates its opposition to the principle of
collective punishment and therefore welcomed the United Nations investigation.
The South African government also reiterates its position that there can be no
military solution to political challenges facing Israel and Palestine.
We remain convinced that only the establishment of an independent
Palestinian State existing side by side with Israel within secure borders will
bring about a peaceful resolution to the situation in the Middle East.
The South African government also calls on the international community to
act decisively and encourage a return by all parties to the negotiating table
to restart the peace process in the region.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
13 December 2006
