http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click...1B253&set_id=1
SA 'peacemakers' to show Middle East the way
April 30 2003 at 04:45PM
Cape Town - South African leaders are to share their experience of the transition to democracy with Israelis and Palestinians at a special conference beginning on Sunday.
Former president FW De Klerk and Education Minister Professor Kader Asmal, will be among those who share their ideas and experiences with civil society leaders from the Middle East at the conference.
The conference, dubbed "Restoring Hope: Building Peace In Divided Societies", will be hosted by the Social Cohesion and Integration Research Programme of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). It will take place at the Western Cape Hotel and Spa near Hermanus from May 4 to 6, the HSRC said on Wednesday.
"It is our hope that in sharing South Africa's experience of settlement and transition, and civil society's role within the process, this will serve to guide communities in Israel-Palestine," said Professor Wilmot James, executive director of the programme.
Among the themes to be considered at the conference are:
a.. Accessing the international community;
a.. Strategies of the NGO sector
a.. Bringing military agencies under control;
a.. The benefits and costs of a pro-active business sector;
a.. The role of the media and the changing demands on the religious community
Delegates also include Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, National Intelligence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, Western Cape Finance MEC Ebrahim Rasool, former head of the South Africa Defence Force George Meiring, former United States ambassador to South Africa James Joseph, chairperson of the Arab Economists' Association in Ramallah, Samir Abdullah, former Israeli minister Yuli Tamir, editor of The Star newspaper Moegsien Williams, head of the South African Revenue Service Pravin Gordhan, Knesset member Aviva Lori, political activist Gazi Abu Jiab and political advisor and author Stanley Greenberg. - Sapa
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