South Africa remains committed to a just solution to a Middle East peace. This was the message conveyed by South African president Jacob Zuma earlier today at an address on aspects of South African Foreign Policy at the University of Pretoria.
"We cannot speak of an Arab Spring unless Palestine is liberated from occupation," Zuma said.
He reiterated South Africa's unequivocal support for Palestine's "inalienable right to full membership of the United Nations." He said that the South African government did not believe that this will undermine a negotiated settlement of the conflict.
Zuma also reiterated his governments support for a two state solution based on the 1967 borders, according to international agreements and relevant United Nations resolutions.
"A peace agreement," he said, "should guarantee the security of both States, address the right of the return of Palestine refugees as well as the status of Jerusalem."
Zuma was appreciative of the humanitarian aid efforts initiated by South Africans towards famine-hit Somalia. He was especially thankful to the Muslim-led Gift of the Givers Foundation who he said flies "the South African flag of love and care in challenging conditions, creating a positive feeling about our country amongst many people in distress around the world, from Somalia to Japan."
Regarding developments in Syria, Zuma reiterated South Africa's call for an immediate end to the violence in that country, including the use of force against unarmed civilians.
While calling on the Syrian government to fulfill its obligations under International Human Rights and Humanitarian law, he also warned against foreign intervention stressing that the only solution to the crisis can come through an inclusive Syrian-led political process, to address the legitimate aims and aspirations of the population.
Zuma went on to detail South Africa's role in AU peace-keeping efforts on the continent. He however argued that for the African peace efforts to be effective, the AU and sub-regional bodies need the support of the United Nations and the international community as a whole.
He again lamented the role Western powers played in undermining AU peace- keeping efforts in Libya. "The AU was not given space to implement its roadmap and to ensure an African solution to the Libyan question.
"The people of Libya must determine their own future, in a Libyan-led political solution, supported by the African Union and the United Nations," Zuma said.
The president also spoke at length on South Africa's trade relations with China. However, in an apparent reference to the recent Dalai Lama debacle, he categorically denied that South African foreign policy was dictated by other countries, individuals or lobby group interests.
"We look at what is of benefit to the South African people, and what will advance our domestic priorities at that given time," he said.
http://www.ciibroadcasting.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7346%3Aqno-arab-spring-without-palestine-liberationq-zuma&catid=43%3Ablog&Itemid=111
^ that's why I voted ANC!
"We cannot speak of an Arab Spring unless Palestine is liberated from occupation," Zuma said.
He reiterated South Africa's unequivocal support for Palestine's "inalienable right to full membership of the United Nations." He said that the South African government did not believe that this will undermine a negotiated settlement of the conflict.
Zuma also reiterated his governments support for a two state solution based on the 1967 borders, according to international agreements and relevant United Nations resolutions.
"A peace agreement," he said, "should guarantee the security of both States, address the right of the return of Palestine refugees as well as the status of Jerusalem."
Zuma was appreciative of the humanitarian aid efforts initiated by South Africans towards famine-hit Somalia. He was especially thankful to the Muslim-led Gift of the Givers Foundation who he said flies "the South African flag of love and care in challenging conditions, creating a positive feeling about our country amongst many people in distress around the world, from Somalia to Japan."
Regarding developments in Syria, Zuma reiterated South Africa's call for an immediate end to the violence in that country, including the use of force against unarmed civilians.
While calling on the Syrian government to fulfill its obligations under International Human Rights and Humanitarian law, he also warned against foreign intervention stressing that the only solution to the crisis can come through an inclusive Syrian-led political process, to address the legitimate aims and aspirations of the population.
Zuma went on to detail South Africa's role in AU peace-keeping efforts on the continent. He however argued that for the African peace efforts to be effective, the AU and sub-regional bodies need the support of the United Nations and the international community as a whole.
He again lamented the role Western powers played in undermining AU peace- keeping efforts in Libya. "The AU was not given space to implement its roadmap and to ensure an African solution to the Libyan question.
"The people of Libya must determine their own future, in a Libyan-led political solution, supported by the African Union and the United Nations," Zuma said.
The president also spoke at length on South Africa's trade relations with China. However, in an apparent reference to the recent Dalai Lama debacle, he categorically denied that South African foreign policy was dictated by other countries, individuals or lobby group interests.
"We look at what is of benefit to the South African people, and what will advance our domestic priorities at that given time," he said.
http://www.ciibroadcasting.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7346%3Aqno-arab-spring-without-palestine-liberationq-zuma&catid=43%3Ablog&Itemid=111
^ that's why I voted ANC!
