Media Statement on the Iraq Bomb Blasts

South Africa joins the international community in expressing its outrage and condemnation of the suicide bomb blasts in Baghdad and Karbala on the morning of 2 March, which killed 170 and wounded over 400.

During this time of bereavement, our thoughts and prayers reach out to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wish those wounded a speedy recovery. In this context, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

It is South Africa's conviction that the early return of Iraq's sovereignty to the people of Iraq will lay a firm foundation for democracy, peace, stability and security in the country. Accordingly, South Africa expresses its hope that the current wave of violence and counter-violence will not lead to the derailment of the process of the early return of Iraq's sovereignty to the people of Iraq.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
3 March 2004.