Olmert
4 May 2006
Tshwane - President Thabo Mbeki today Thursday, 4 May 2006, joined world
leaders in congratulating Ehud Olmert on his scheduled assumption of the office
of the Prime Minister of Israel.
"On behalf of the government and people of South Africa may I join the
people of Israel and indeed the entire world community in extending our warmest
congratulations to you on the assumption of the office of Prime Minister of
Israel.
"In this regard, the government and people of South Africa express its hope
that the election mandate received from the people of Israel will help lay a
firm foundation for a rapid movement towards the creation of climate conducive
for peace in the region.
"Accordingly, South Africa stands ready to lend a hand to efforts by the
international community in assisting the peoples of both Israel and Palestine
to bring an end to conflict and to live peacefully side by side within safe and
secure borders.
"South Africa looks forward to the strengthening and consolidation of
bilateral relations between the two countries in the best interests of both the
people of Israel and South Africa," concluded President Mbeki.
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
4 May 2006
SAPA
