Accept Israel, urges Mbeki

2006-03-30 16:40

Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki pledged on Thursday the "unconditional acceptance" of the legitimacy of the new Hamas-led Palestinian government, but urged the militant group to recognise Israel's right to exist.

Mbeki said Hamas must be included as a negotiating partner in the peace process, despite the refusal by Israel and some Western governments to deal with the militant group, which is on the United States and European Union lists of terrorist organisations.

"We are likely to make a meaningful contribution to the peace process through constructive engagement with all the people of Palestine, including Hamas," said Mbeki in reply to a question in parliament.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, of the moderate Fatah party, officially swore in the 24-member Hamas cabinet on Wednesday.

SA, Israel have good relationship

He arrived in South Africa on Thursday for a three-day state visit and will meet Mbeki and address parliament on Friday.

South Africa enjoys good relations with Israel - ties that were cultured by the government in the apartheid era - and with the Palestinian Authority, thanks to the liberation struggle ties between the African National Congress and the Palestinians.

The foreign ministry has invited Hamas leaders to visit, although no date has been fixed.

Mbeki told parliament: "Any intended engagement with Hamas must, in the first instance, be premised on the recognition and unconditional acceptance of the reality that the people of Palestine have freely and democratically elected Hamas to represent their interests."

Hamas won the January 25 Palestinian elections in a landslide.

It has refused Western demands to renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previous agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.

Donor governments have warned that unless it takes action on the demands, they will cut funding to the cash-strapped authority.

Mbeki said he was encouraged by post-election assurances from new Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Hanniya, that his organisation was "open to the international arena".

He urged Hamas to recognise Israel.

"In our view, the recognition of the right of Israel to exist is not inimical to the interests of the Palestinian people," said Mbeki.

Aid to Palestine to continue

"On the contrary, we believe the cause of the Palestinians will be immensely enhanced if they acknowledge the legitimate right of the Israelis to their own sovereign state."

Mbeki said South Africa would continue to give aid to the Palestinians "to attain their long-cherished dream of an independent and sovereign state."

In thinly veiled criticism of nations like Canada, which have said they will cut off aid to the new government, Mbeki said that aid "must not be based on a false and ill-conceived notion of our ability to place demands on the Palestinians and their leadership on how to pursue their goals."

- AP