communityâs condemnation of the Israeli commando raid at the Bekaa Valley
19 August 2006
In this regard, South Africa echoes the sentiments of United Nations (UN)
Secretary-General Kofi Annan that the commando raid is a violation of the
letter and spirit of cessation of hostilities as laid out in Security Council
Resolution 1701.
The South African Government is of the firm view that such actions subtract
rather than add to the momentum created by the international community to bring
about a lasting solution to the situation in the Middle East.
In this regard, the South African Government welcomes efforts by the UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan to consult with both the Israeli authorities and
Lebanon with a view to ensuring full compliance with United Nations Security
Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701 and to avoid actions that may lead to an
escalation of violence and make it more difficult for peace to hold.
The South African Government urges the international community to act
swiftly in deploying the UN peacekeeping force to ensure compliance with
Resolution 1701.
Enquires:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
19 August 2006
