A solution to the conflict in the Middle East between Israelis and Palestinians is more possible now than ever before, President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday.
”We believe that finding [a] solution in the Middle East is more possible now than in any other time,” said Zuma in a speech prepared for delivery at a South African Jewish Board of Deputies conference in Sandton.
He said the Middle East conflict had ”long been a matter of concern to us”.
”The South African government supports all international efforts to find lasting peace and security in the Middle East.”
He said the government supported the position of the United Nations, its various Security Council resolutions and the Middle East Quartet, ”that the only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one that ends the occupation that began in 1967”.
”It is a solution which fulfils the aspirations of both parties for independent homelands through two states for two peoples, Israel and an independent, adjoining, and viable state of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.”
Zuma said US President Obama Barack’s efforts to find a solution to the conflict should be supported.
”We will continue to offer whatever assistance we can towards the resolution of this matter, including sharing our experience in ending apartheid through negotiation. In this respect, we would like to work together with the South African Jewish community.
Zuma also said with regards to the Middle East conflict, the government ”unequivocally condemn all forms of violence from whatever quarter, particularly where civilians are targeted”.
Turning to the Constitution, Zuma said it guaranteed religious freedom and freedom of association.
He said the country needed to ”jealously guard” these freedoms.
”We must remain on guard against any manifestations of anti-Semitism and other intolerances.”
Zuma also commended the Jewish community in its contribution to building the country in fields including business, labour, science, literature, culture, community work and politics.
He said many people within the community, such as Rusty Bernstein, Helen Suzman, Solly Sachs and others, had participated in the struggle for democracy.
”Though part of the privileged white minority, many Jewish people dedicated their lives to the advancement of the rights of the oppressed majority.”
Zuma said the country was currently experiencing a skills shortage, exacerbated by the emigration of skilled people.
”The message we want to send to people who have left the country to live and work abroad is that South Africa will always remain their home,
”[South Africa] will always welcome whatever contribution they can make to building this nation,” he said. – Sapa