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South African Mission to Madagascar
The South African government has authorized the dispatch
on Tuesday, 23 March 2004, of a relief mission to Madagascar
to lend a hand to the government and the people of Madagascar
to deliver humanitarian aid to the victims of the recent
cyclone.
This follows a request from Madagascar's President
Marc Ravalomanana to President Thabo Mbeki.
Accordingly, and in a gesture of friendship to the
people and government of Madagascar the South Africa
government is dispatching four Oryx helicopters and
one Fixed wing cargo plane which will be used in a joint
operation with UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP)
to deliver food and medicine to areas whose infrastructure
was destroyed by the cyclone and therefore not easily
accessible.
In addition the government is sending a team of air
traffic controllers from the South African Defence Force,
logistics and medical officers as well as Foreign Affairs
officials to assist with the coordination of the effort.
South Africa reiterates its heartfelt condolences to
the government and people of Madagascar, especially
families of those who have lost their loved ones during
the cyclone.
For further information please contact Ronnie Mamoepa
on 082 990 4853.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
22 March 2004
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