Qaanitah Hunter- Cii News (July 2, 2012)

COSATU has welcomed the call by ANC delegates at the ANC policy conference, to take a tougher stance against Israel.

Presidential adviser on international relations and member of the ANC’s international relations subcommittee, Lindiwe Zulu, said many members agree that there ought to be an increase in the boycott of products that are imported from Israel to South Africa.

Cosatu Spokesperson, Patrick Craven, said ANC should work with other solidarity organizations to support the liberation of Palestine.

“COSATU welcomes among many other things from the ANC policy conference, the much tougher line towards Israel,” he said.

Zulu told Cii News that delegates wanted a full out boycott of Israel and felt there must be “an increase in visibility on Palestine”.

Craven said they particularly welcome the ANC’s support for the liberation of the Palestinian people.

He further said that COSATU previously welcomed Minister of trade and industry, Rob Davies’ decision to re-label goods made in occupied West Bank correctly.

“In the view of South Africa these are not legitimately part of Israel, they are illegally occupied territories,” Craven said.

He said COSATU and the ANC will work closely with other organizations to promote the boycott, divestment and sanction campaign against Zionist Israel.

“We will force it to recognize the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”

COSATU was also in the front line to condemn the ACDP and IFP’s stance of supporting Israel.

Members of both parties marched to the department of trade and industry (Dti) in opposition to Minister Davies call and in support of Israel.

qaanitah@ciibroadcasting.com