Minister
21 August 20006
The South African Government is concerned by the developments in Gaza where
the Deputy Prime Minister of Palestine, Nasser Shaer and the Secretary-General
of the Palestinian Legislative Council Dr Al Ramahi were arrested by the
Israeli military.
The South African Government condemns such arbitrary actions of arresting
leaders of a democratically elected government, which could only heighten
emotions and lead to an escalation of violence in the occupied territories. The
current cycle of violence would only bring hardship to innocent civilians and
the destruction of infrastructure.
The South African Government has consistently expressed its commitment to
finding a comprehensive and lasting peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli Government is therefore reminded of its responsibility to secure
and maintain peace in the region and is urged to release all the Palestinian
leaders in its prisons.
The South African Government believes that the current level of violence
could only be reduced and finally eliminated once the Israelis and Palestinians
resume meaningful talks leading to negotiations aimed at resolving the
Arab-Israeli conflict.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
21 August 2006
