The African National Congress condemns the attack on Syria by the Israeli government. We view this as provocation that can only escalate hostilities in the middle East which in our view complicates and undermine the need for peaceful resolution of the Syrian problem. We believe that the cessation of hostilities by all protagonists is a precondition for the evasive attempt to save lives and bringing about lasting peace. We call on the United Nations to prevail on external forces to respect the sovereignty of Syria and to allow Syrians to work together in resolving their disputes.

Issued by:

Jessie Duarte

Deputy Secretary General

African National Congress

Chief Albert Luthuli House

54 Sauer Street

Johannesburg

Enquiries:

Jackson Mthembu 0823708401

Keith Khoza 0828239672

Khusela Sangoni-Khawe 0795105408