South Africa urges Palestinian parties to unite

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa

South Africa wants all Palestinian parties to unite in order to effectively negotiate with Israel for a viable Palestinian state, South African President Jacob Zuma has said.

Zuma made the remarks at the South African parliament Thursday when an opposition member asked him about the recent visit and signing of agreements with Hamas officials in the country.

“South Africa strongly believes that all Palestinian parties need to unite in order to effectively negotiate with the state of Israel for a viable and united Palestinian state,” Zuma told members of parliament during the question-and-answer session.

He said that it was important for his ruling African National Congress Party (ANC) to hold a meeting with Hamas in order to influence South Africa’s position on a two-state solution in the Middle East dispute.

About Hamas being against the existence of the state of Israel, Zuma said that during his meeting with leaders of Hamas, none of them presented the view that Israel should not exist.

“When ANC met with Hamas, they [Hamas] presented a position that they must be a peaceful solution in the Middle East," the president said.

He said that Hamas was ready to unite with all Palestinian groups and asked for ANC’s help in mediation efforts.

He added that South Africa supports reconciliation between Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas.

Last month, the governing ANC hosted a delegation of top Hamas officials led by Khaled Meshaal, which angered Israeli officials.

Zuma also denied claims that his government was taking sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“We are not picking sides in the Middle East; we have met Israel many times and discussed the issues. They themselves have said they believe South Africa has a role to play to help both sides,” he said.

Zuma said that his country maintains strong relations with both Israelis and Palestinians through diplomatic missions.

“South Africa is viewed by both sides to be better placed in assisting with the peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said.

He said that South Africa supports international efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable Palestinian state that exists side by side with Israel based on 1967 borders.

The South African leader warned that the continuous building of Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian lands is a hindrance to the peace process and a two-state solution.

“We believe and hope that at a given time Israel will retreat from where it is occupying the Palestinian land. That’s why we are saying it ought to go back to the original boarders of 1967,” he said.

Zuma added that this will be an important gesture for Israel to live side by side with Palestine.

He advised parliamentarians to be objective when looking at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “At times people are one sided, they think Hamas is more extreme. They forget that Israel is also very extreme,” he said.

He said that his country will continue to play a constructive role in the Israel-Palestine peace process.