PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
Author : min-jolicoeur | Published Date : 2025-05-07
Description: PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE DIRCOs Foreign Policy perspective on the recent developments in the Middle East including the proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank PRESENTED BY AMBASSADOR Z MAKINA CHIEF
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Transcript:PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE:
PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE DIRCO’s Foreign Policy perspective on the recent developments in the Middle East, including the proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank PRESENTED BY: AMBASSADOR Z. MAKINA CHIEF DIRECTOR: MIDDLE EAST DATE: 19 August 2020 1 THE MIDDLE EAST REGION 2 INTRODUCTION Introductory Remarks Structure of presentation: Part I: Overview of the current developments affecting the Middle East Region Part II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region 3 PART I: Overview of the current developments affecting the Middle East Region Effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 globally, including the ME United Nations call for cessation of hostilities; humanitarian pause of 90 consecutive days Despite this call, aggression remains: Israel-Palestine Conflict Syria Yemen Iran Blockade against Qatar Economic effect of COVID-19 on Middle East 4 PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict) 17 May 2020: formation of new Israeli Government by PM Netanyahu, introduction of renewed Annexation Plan Dovetailed with President Trump’s so-called Peace Plan: permanent colonisation of Palestinian land; Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal and undivided capital: breach of UN Charter, UNSC Resolution 2334 (2016) and other international legal provisions Other initiatives of Trump Administration: further deadlock of MEPP, moving of US Embassy to Jerusalem, recognition of Israeli “sovereignty” over Golan Heights, closure of PLO Office in Washington and tacit approval for accelerated expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. 5 PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict, cont.) Briefing by United Nations Special Coordinator for the ME, 20 July 2020 Escalating health crisis as both struggle to contain the rapid spike of COVID-19 cases; A spiralling economic crisis as businesses close, unemployment soars, protests increase and the economy suffers the financial impact of months of lockdowns and restrictions; and A mounting political confrontation, driven by the threat of Israeli annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank, and the steps taken in response by the Palestinian leadership. 6 PART II: South Africa’s foreign policy perspectives towards the Region Middle East Peace Process (Israel-Palestine Conflict, cont.) SA Position Inalienable right of the Palestinian people for self-determination and independence No military solution to the conflict and that peaceful negotiation is the only means of ensuring lasting peace, prosperity, security and stability; and As a member of the UN Security Council, it will also continue to engage that the UNSC discharge
