Media Statement
17 December 2014
Statement on the terrorist incident in Australia
The South African Government today added its voice to those of other governments who condemned in the strongest language the hostage taking of customers in a restaurant in the central business district of Sydney, Australia.
The South African Government expresses its relief that the situation came to an end relatively soon. South Africa condemns all acts of terrorism and the targeting of civilians. No cause justifies such actions. Only a week ago, three South African civilians died in Afghanistan and Yemen as a result of terror. It is therefore with a sense of solidarity that the South African Government and its people saw the situation coming to an end, albeit with the death of two innocent civilians.
We extend our wishes of courage and comfort to those who lost their loved ones and a speedy recovery to all those who were subjected to this traumatic event.
As far as could be ascertained, no South Africans were involved in the siege.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
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