Conference on the Middle East
28 November 2007
Madam Secretary Rice
Dear Colleagues
We thank President Bush, President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert for their
respective statements. The South African government commends the United States
for all its efforts and for the convening of this conference, which has for the
first time brought together many countries keen in supporting the peace process
in the Middle East. We appreciate the Joint Understanding reached by the
parties as read out by President Bush.
We commend the efforts by the parties, Palestine and Israel, who bear the
primary responsibility for achieving peace. The international community has the
duty of assisting and supporting the parties reach a settlement and also in
ensuring that political progress be coupled with a change for the better in the
lives of Palestinians and Israelis. In this regard, we commend previous
regional and international efforts to take the peace process forward including
the Arab Peace Initiative and the Road Map.
Madam Secretary Rice,
Experience has shown that successful conflict resolution has as its basis
the willingness of the parties to negotiate without preconditions. To encourage
the parties, we make reference to South Africa's own historical experience of
negotiating an end to the conflict in our country that at times seemed
unsolvable. This encourages us to believe that such a settlement is possible in
the Middle East. Despite the violence and despair that threatens peaceful
change in conflict situations; our belief is that the only alternative is an
inclusive negotiated solution.
It is for this reason that we support the launch by this Conference of a
process to negotiate to resolve all issues including final status issues
leading to the establishment of a Palestinian State. We wish to reiterate our
view that the way forward to peace must include the establishment of an
independent, economically viable state of Palestine living side-by-side with
Israel, with both States enjoying secure and internationally recognised
borders. This vision of a two-State solution has already been enshrined in
various United Nations resolutions.
Madam Secretary Rice,
The pursuit of peace must mean that neither side create conditions that
would undermine confidence-building measures that are possible. Leaders
and negotiators should be in a position to move freely and be able to have
access to their constituencies without any hindrance.
We appreciate efforts to resolve this conflict because resolving peace in
the Middle East will not only contribute to peace in the region but also
contribute to world peace and security. Even though substantial effort has been
put into this process, allot more effort is necessary to reach the target of a
resolution of the conflict by the end of 2008. Our government stands committed
to assist the respective parties in their quest for lasting peace.
In conclusion, Madam Secretary, South Africa stands ready to continue
working individually and collectively with other partners in capacity building
initiatives to assist with Palestinian institution building. In this regard, we
will work with India and Brazil, to consider looking at the India-Brazil-South
Africa (IBSA) fund for capacity building in view of the Paris Donor
Conference.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
28 November 2007
