Radio Islam International – 2019/03/07

The South African Government has confirmed that the process to downgrade the South African embassy in Israel has officially begun.

Speaking to journalists, International Relations Committee chair Lindiwe Zulu says the South African government reaffirms their position that they do not recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the territories they illegally occupy.

“Since June 1967, including the Golan Heights, we do not consider them to be part of the state of Israel in line with international law and all relevant and UN resolutions.”

Following the recall of South Africa’s ambassador to Israel, International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has announced that he will not be replaced.

Sisulu said that the decision to not replace Ambassador Sisa Ngombane formed part of the downgrade process.

In 2018, the South African government took a decision to downgrade its Israeli embassy to a liaison office, in line with a resolution taken by the ANC during its 2017 elective conference.