Pretoria – The India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) group of countries have backed the United States’ mediation efforts in the Middle East, which have led to the resumption of direct final status negotiations between Palestine and Israel.
“We support the mediation efforts undertaken by the US Secretary of State John Kerry and welcome the announcement of the resumption of direct final status negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.
“This is an encouraging development, one that has the potential for reverting the deadlock and paralysis that have plagued the peace process in recent years. We hope this renewed effort will lead to the full and overdue realisation of a two-state solution based on 1967 borders,” said the bloc.
After consultations, the Foreign Ministers of India, Salman Khurshid; Brazil, Antonio Patriota and South Africa, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane reaffirmed that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remained an urgent and key issue for the international community, “the resolution of which is a prerequisite for building a sustainable and lasting peace in the Middle East region”.
The ministers also welcomed the decision of Israel to release 104 Palestinian prisoners, a move they said was a gesture that contributes to the spirit of cooperation surrounding the negotiations.
“We are also pleased with the announcement made on 30 July by Mr Kerry indicating that the Palestinian and Israeli negotiators are committed to reaching a comprehensive peace agreement within nine months. Such an agreement should culminate in the full realisation of an independent Palestinian State,” they said.
The urged the parties to adhere strictly to this timetable, and once again called for the UN Security Council to fully exercise its functions under the UN Charter with regard to the Palestinian Question.
The ministers said the Council should provide sustained support to the peace process and work towards its full and satisfactory completion. – SAnews.gov.za
