ACDP Calls on Government to be impartial in peace talks over Middle East

Louis Green MP - ACDP

Monday, 3 September 2001

The African Christian Democratic Party reacting to the fresh threats
issued by Israel and the United States to withdraw from the United
Nations World Racism Conference, on the basis of the Arab bloc's refusal
to withdraw anti-Israel texts from the draft declaration and programme
of action documents, today expressed regret at the ongoing conflict
between Israel and Palestine. ACDP Deputy President Louis Green said
that he would love to see a speedy resolution to the crisis. He said,
"Israel's withdrawal from the Conference will not bring peace."

Mr. Green said that he supported the South African government in its'
proposed bid to play a role in brokering a new peace accord between
Palestine and Israel. But called on government to act impartially, with
maturity and responsibility. He cautioned political leaders to be
careful not to inflame people's emotions for their own political gain.

He said, "We support all initiatives that will bring peace and stability
in the Middle East, thereby avoiding further loss of life, injury,
destruction of property and other forms of suffering. Non-violence, we
believe is the only way to lasting peace and stability."

Mr. Green said that no matter how the negotiations proceed, the ACDP
wishes to see Israel's survival guaranteed and Palestinian
self-determination realized, to ensure that co-existence of both the
Israelis and the Palestinian people is guaranteed.

"The ACDP believes in peace and non-violence, and will therefore not
support calls by any religious or emotional group for the death of
Israel. All nations were created by God and have the right to exist.
Problems between nations and ethnic groups must be addressed and a
peaceful solution found no matter how long it takes.

We will all do well to heed the advice of King David where he says in
Psalm 122 vs.6-8, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love
you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within
your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say,
'Peace be within you'."

Lastly, Mr. Green appealed to President Mbeki and the Department of
Foreign Affairs in particular not to take a partisan approach, but to be
even handed when dealing with the complex issue of the Middle East. He
said, "We dare not lose hope, and we must not give up on peaceful
negotiations."


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For more information please call Louis Green MP at 0834419295 or ACDP
Media Liaison Liza Lambert at 0824781037