FOREIGN Affairs officials in Pretoria stepped up pressure
against Israel, calling in Israeli Ambassador Tova Herzl
to protest against the arrest of top Palestinian official Marwan
Bargouthi.
Officials also held talks with the head of the Spanish mission
in South Africa to convey to the European Union that efforts should
be made to ensure Bargouthi’s safety, the Department of Foreign
Affairs said on Wednesday.
Spain is the current president of the EU.
Bargouthi, the secretary-general of Palestinian leader Yasser
Arafat’s Fatah movement, was arrested by the Israeli army
on Monday.
Pretoria believes the arrest could result in a backlash from the
Palestinians and has sought assurances about Bargouthi’s safety and
well-being.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad said in a
statement the government was disappointed that the Israeli
government had arrested Bargouthi at the same time that US
Secretary of State Colin Powell was visiting the region.
Palestinians might view this as proof that Israel was not
serious about implementing measures towards a peaceful negotiated
solution, he said.
Continued attempts by Israel to destroy the infrastructure of
the Palestinian National Authority, as well its legitimately
elected leadership, could only serve to undermine efforts to
achieve a cease-fire and resume negotiations.
Israel accuses Bargouthi of having links to Palestinian militias
and the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a military offshoot of the Fatah
movement.
Israel has also accused him of being behind a number of attacks
against Israelis.
In a separate statement marking Israel’s national day on
Wednesday, President Thabo Mbeki congratulated Israeli President
Moshe Katsav on behalf of all South Africans.
”It is my earnest hope that this painful time for the Middle
East will come to an end quickly and that the nations of the world
can celebrate soon the anniversaries of both Israel and of a
Palestinian State, living side by side and behind safe and secure
borders, each fully recognising the other,” Mbeki said.
”We hope that this New Year will bring true peace and stability
in your country and the region,” the president added.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Solidarity Committee said it would
stage a protest outside Herzl’s home later on Wednesday in protest
against Israel’s independence day celebrations.
It was completely ”inhuman” and ”insensitive” that diplomats and
government officials were prepared to gather at Herzl’s home to
mark Israel’s national day, it said.
”We wonder how such a celebration can take place, how cocktails
can be sipped as dozens of bodies are being uncovered in Jenin …”
The protest was aimed at reminding guests that by being present
”they are supporting one of the most violent regimes of the world
that should be an international pariah for its violation”, the
statement said. – Sapa