President Mbeki Condemns Bali Blasts

Tshwane - South African President Mbeki, Saturday 01 October 2005, conveyed the condolences, shock and outrage of the South African government and people to the government and people of Indonesia following a series of bombings in Bali today.

In a message of condolences to his Indonesian counter part, President General Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President Mbeki said, "The government and people of South Africa express their unequivocal condemnation of the series of bombings in your country today, in which a number of people were killed and many others maimed and wounded."

"It is indeed tragic for your country to again experience acts of terror on this scale especially while the memories of the 12 October 2002 Bali Bombings, in which 202 people were killed, remain vivid."

"The government and people of South Africa reiterate their conviction that no cause can ever justify acts of terrorism."

"In this moment of grief and mourning the government and people of South Africa convey their heart felt condolences to the government and people of Indonesia, especially to those who have lost loved ones. We wish those wounded a speedy recovery," concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001

1 October 2005