The South African Government would like to express its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the Lebanese Republic and in particular to the families of the victims of the twin suicide bomb attack against the Iranian Embassy in Beirut on 19 November 2013, which killed 23 people and injured more than 150 others.
 
South Africa also expresses its sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as to the family of Iranian diplomat Ebrahim Ansari, who was one of the victims of the attack.
 
South Africa has taken note of the fact that the Abdullah Azzam Brigade has taken responsibility for this attack South Africa condemns this heinous act of terrorism in the strongest possible terms.
 
South Africa remains deeply concerned about the continuing violence and deteriorating human rights situation characterizing large parts of the Levant region at present, in particular the regional and global impact of the current conflict in Syria.
 
South Africa fully supports the current efforts by the UN Special Representative working with the United States and Russia to convene an international conference of the Syrian government and opposition to bring an end to the military conflict in that country.
 
South Africa believes it is essential that a political path be supported by a united, cohesive international effort towards a Syrian-led negotiated political transition aimed at establishing a democratic pluralistic society in which minorities are protected.