Speaker, the ACDP position regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine has always been to support the negotiation of a two-state solution. We have, however, consistently opposed one-sided and inflammatory statements that show no attempt to understand the concerns, fears and aspirations of both sides in this complex issue.
While the challenges facing the Palestinian people are placed front and centre, the challenges Israeli people are facing are invariably dismissed. Israel faces serious security threats from enemies who do not merely seek its withdrawal from the West Bank, but its eradication as a sovereign state.
The ACDP believes that it is important for political parties to hold Parliament accountable for ensuring fair and transparent processes, which are inclusive rather than exclusive. We further believe that Parliament must state categorically and clearly that Israel as a sovereign state has the right to live within safe and secure borders, with the right to self- defense like all other sovereign states worldwide.
The ACDP therefore calls on parties to distance themselves from resolutions calling for extreme measures that set unrealistic precedents in international relations with all other countries. These are resolutions that infringe on peace processes, both in the Middle East and the South African economy, including boycotts, divestment and sanctions; complete military, financial and political sanctions, as South Africa campaigns for Israel to be suspended from the Swift Networks; the blocking of financial transactions with Israeli banks and companies involved in the settlements ... [Time expired.]