Mr. Ebrahim Ebrahim, deputy minister of foreign affairs of South Africa presented the government's official position on Palestine-Israel this morning at the Afro Middle East Centre conference in Pretoria. It offers boilerplate support for the not very credible "peace process," but there was an oblique not toward the growing movement for a single democratic state on the South African model. Here are my notes of what he said: South Africa has accepted view of Palestinian leadership, both Fatah and Hamas, of a two state solution. This calls for viable, independent Palestinian state living side by side in peace with Israel based on 1967 borders. Such a solution needs to address the right of return of refugees.
We are aware that increased colonization making it impossible for state based on the 1967 border. Many views say that two states no longer possible. But as a party or government we must seek guidance from the Palestinians on what the future should look like. As govt of South Africa, we have criticized policies such as further partitioning of occupied territories and other restrictions against the people of Palestinian. Denounced use of force against civilians, and the economic strangulation of Gaza. Denounced Israeli policies in Jerusalem, judaization policies that threaten its character as home to the three monotheistic faiths. We continue with our efforts no matter how small to call for unity within the Palestinian forces for the purposes of achieving Palestinian statehood. Our policy is informed not only by our own history of liberation, but by positions adopted by the international community. We are aware of other positions being advocated with regard to the Palestine-Israel conflict. We are not blind to the fact is that many of Israel's actions seem designed to prevent the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
We are aware that increased colonization making it impossible for state based on the 1967 border. Many views say that two states no longer possible. But as a party or government we must seek guidance from the Palestinians on what the future should look like. As govt of South Africa, we have criticized policies such as further partitioning of occupied territories and other restrictions against the people of Palestinian. Denounced use of force against civilians, and the economic strangulation of Gaza. Denounced Israeli policies in Jerusalem, judaization policies that threaten its character as home to the three monotheistic faiths. We continue with our efforts no matter how small to call for unity within the Palestinian forces for the purposes of achieving Palestinian statehood. Our policy is informed not only by our own history of liberation, but by positions adopted by the international community. We are aware of other positions being advocated with regard to the Palestine-Israel conflict. We are not blind to the fact is that many of Israel's actions seem designed to prevent the creation of an independent Palestinian state.