The South African government has called for the immediate de-escalation of hostilities between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The two countries traded air strikes earlier this month.
Speaking during a media briefing on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet was “deeply concerned about escalation of hostilities between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with airstrikes by the United States of America”.
“The ongoing attacks by both countries has led to loss of lives, casualties and destruction to property. Cabinet calls for an urgent de-escalation of hostilities, restraint and full compliance with international law by all parties to prevent further human suffering.
“Cabinet further calls on the USA, Israel and Iran to create room for constructive dialogue and give the United Nations the opportunity to lead the peaceful resolution of dispute, including the inspection and verification of Iran's status on uranium enrichment, as well as its broader nuclear capacity.
“The world cannot afford the balkanisation of Iran, by the sheer size of its population, geographic location and mineral resources.
“As a continent, we in Africa are still suffering the consequences of the balkanisation of Libya 14 years later, with the escalation of terrorism across the continent,” she said.
Turning to issues in the Caribbean, Ntshavheni said Cabinet had registered concern on the ongoing gang violence in Haiti.
“Cabinet is concerned about the Haiti’s worsening situation and asserts that a multifaceted approach is needed to strengthen governance, improving law enforcement, and promoting economic development through regional and international cooperation prioritising Haitian interests,” she said.
Group of 7 (G7)
Cabinet reflected on the G7 Leaders’ Summit held in Canada last week.
President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the G7 Summit Outreach Session.
“President Ramaphosa used the opportunity of the G7 to urge for greater cooperation between the G7 and the G20 and mobilise support for reforms in the international institutions of global governance such as the UN Security Council and the global financial system.
“The President's participation in the G7 clearly points out that South Africa does not hold an anti-West policy position, but we are ready to work with everyone to pursue South Africa’s national interests and to advance the African Agenda,” she said.
SANDF soldiers
Regarding the return of South African soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ntshavheni said Cabinet was briefed on the process to bring them home.
“Cabinet was updated on the phased arrival of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the SADC decision to terminate the SAMIDRC intervention.
“About 1 718 SANDF troops have now arrived in the country, and more are expected to arrive over the next few weeks.
“Cabinet reaffirmed South Africa’s continued commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Southern African region and commended the efforts by the SANDF troops to contribute towards restoring peace, security and stability in the DRC,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
