Pandor urges global community to back measures for two-state solution for Palestine & Israel

CAPE TOWN - International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor is urging the global community to support concrete measures that will lead to a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel, based on the 1967 borders. 

She addressed the 19th Summit of the Non-Alignment Movement in the Ugandan capital where she told the gathering that South Africa believes the world was witnessing a genocide of unprecedented proportions in Gaza. 

"It is for this reason that South Africa has referred the situation in palestine to the International Court of Justice, where we seek provisional measures, including ordering Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza. This also echoes calls by many governments and peoples all over the world for an immediate comprehensive ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access for the people of Gaza."

Pandor has again also appealed for the reform of the United Nations Security Council, suggesting that it be expanded urgently to include countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

"A reformed system of global governance and a strengthened multilateralism will also allow us to address other major challenges, such as the scourge of terrorism, which today affects all parts of the world. South Africa condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."

Last week, Israel accused South Africa of siding with a terrorist group for lodging the dispute against it in the International Court of Justice, saying it was acting in self-defence.