Statement on the Meeting of Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad with Pakistani High Commissioner, Pretoria, 29 July 2004

Pretoria-Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad on Thursday 29 July hosted the Pakistani High Commissioner Akbar Zeb at the Union Buildings, Pretoria to discuss the recent arrest of two South Africans in Pakistan.

Deputy Minister Pahad, who was accompanied to the meeting by Foreign Affairs Deputy Director-General for Middle East, Dr. Anil Sooklal, stressed the need for Pakistani authorities to provide details of the arrests to enable the South African government to determine the course of action to be followed.

In this regard, the South African Government is of the view that the SA diplomatic mission in Islamabad should be given access to the suspects with a view to providing consular service in conformity with the Geneva Convention.

The Pakistani High Commissioner assured Deputy Minister Pahad of their stated commitment to assist the South African Government in this regard including facilitation of consular visits by the South African diplomatic mission in Islamabad.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

29 July 2004.