The NEC of the Inkatha Freedom Party said today that the Party President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, had received a memorandum from the Embassy of the State of Palestine and that the NEC had been addressed by the Ambassador of Israel, His Excellency Dov Segev Steinberg.

It is clear that both the ordinary Israeli and Palestinian people are suffering greatly.

The IFP remains committed to a lasting peace based upon a two-state solution with a Palestinian state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. This can only be achieved, however, if all parties reject violence and choose negotiation.

Accordingly, the IFP calls for an immediate cessation of violence in Gaza and a return to negotiations.

The emphasis in the region has, naturally, been on top-down diplomacy driven by political leaders. In the longer term, a 'from the community upwards' approach of fostering peaceful relations between the two peoples will be as important as top level diplomacy.

Contact:
Reverend Musa Zondi MP,     083 4405966