National Assembly: 19 September 2006  

Madame Speaker,

The IFP wishes to thank the ANC for postponing finalisation of this debate in order for parties to negotiate the possibility of a consensus resolution on this very important international issue.

Negotiations in fact took place, but unfortunately failed.

We are therefore back to the motion on the Order Paper and the proposed amendments thereto.

The IFP cannot support the ANC motion and will vote against it.

We oppose the motion on the following grounds:

1. It is a one-sided motion, condemning only Israel.

2. Secondly, there is no condemnation of Hezbollah, who launched in excess of 3000 rockets on Israel.

3. The ANC relies on what it calls the UN position, but we disagree with the ANC's interpretation thereof.

4. Fourthly, by siding with the Palestinians, South African alienates Israel, harming our integrity as a possible future mediator.


Madame Speaker

The IFP proposes that South Africa do not take sides, but urge both Israel and the Palestinians to abandon violence and to rather continue to negotiate a peaceful settlement.

The IFP will vote against the ANC motion and move for the IFP amendment to be adopted.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Koos van der Merwe MP: 082 444 4944
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848