Statement on Emergency Relief to Algeria

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has today - Friday, 23rd May 2003 - given the green light for emergency relief to be sent to Algeria, after the devastating earthquake that rocked Algiers, Bouneldes and surrounding areas on Wednesday, 21st May 2003.

This follows a message sent to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria by President Thabo Mbeki on Thursday, 22nd May 2003 expressing South Africa's heartfelt condolences in the wake of the deaths of over 500 people, injury to over 4600 others and destruction to infrastructure.

The relief effort is co-ordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force, South African Police Services and the Department of Health.

The relief effort consists of among others, sniffer dogs, medical supplies, medical personnel and equipment to detect bodies trapped under buildings. The first contingent of relief will depart for Algeria on Saturday, 24th May 2003 from the Waterkloof Airforce Base in Pretoria under the command of SANDF's Colonel Willis Nkosi.

The delegation will also include representatives of NGO's - Global Relief and Rescue Africa - and several volunteer engineers from across the country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dlamini Zuma, wishes to express, on behalf of the government, her gratitude to members of civil society who came forth to offer their services in the wake of this disaster, as an indication of the close bonds of friendship and solidarity that exists between the peoples of Algeria and South Africa.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
23 May 2003