2006
27 January 2006
The South African Government welcomes the democratic process that took place
in Palestine on 25 January 2006, as it is a clear expression of the will of the
people. South Africa will continue to work with the government and people of
Palestine as we have done in the past.
The South African government wishes to thank the South African Observer
Mission for their work. We welcome their statement that they "...congratulate
the Palestinian people and all concerned parties on conducting these historic
electionsâ. We further wish to commend and recognise the role of the Central
Electoral Commission in the technical and legal and procedural aspects of the
election.
The experiences and views of the Mission on Election Day affirm that the
elections were conducted in an efficient and professional manner. As such, the
Mission is joined in a consensus that the elections were peaceful, free and
credible and reflect the will and determination of the Palestinian people to
consolidate democracy and good governance in the occupied Palestinian
territories."
Commenting on the elections, President Mbeki said that "over these long
years we have entertained the hope that the Palestinians would realise their
aspiration for the birth of their own independent State within acceptable
boundaries, giving them the freedom to determine their destiny".
The Palestine Legislative elections would mark an important milestone in the
advance or otherwise towards the attainment of an independent Palestine and an
independent Israel co-existing side by side in conditions of peace and mutually
beneficial co-operation.
The people of Palestine have elected Abu Mazen, leader of the Palestine
Liberation Organisation (PLO), as their President. They have elected Hamas as
their majority legislative representatives. Democratically they have
constituted the legitimate authorities that must lead them in their continuing
quest for an independent state of Palestine, democracy and development."
We welcome the statement of Hamas leader Ismail Hanniya âthat the
relationship between Abu Mazen and us is based on mutual respect, despite
differences. We want to meet him to consult about the shape of the political
partnership we can achieve. Hamas is a Palestinian movement. It is an aware and
mature movement, one which is politically open in the Palestinian arena and to
its Arab and Islamic hinterland and similarly open to the international
arena."
We who promote democracy can not afford to challenge the consequences of a
democratic process. We must take appropriate measures to create the conditions
and climate to bring about the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli
crisis.
As before, the South Africa government and people will continue to work with
the government and people of Palestine to contribute to their efforts to find a
peaceful solution.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
27 January 2006
Source: SAPA
