Minister Dlamini Zuma extends South Africa's condolences on the Death of Eritrean Foreign Minister Ali Said Abdullah

Tshwane- South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today, Monday 29 August 2005, extended South Africa's heartfelt condolences to the government and peoples of Eritrea following the death of Foreign Minister Ali Said Abdullah.

" It is with a sense of great disbelief and sadness that South Africa learnt of the untimely death of Foreign Minister Ali Said Abdullah on Sunday 28 August 2005.

"Most of us who had the privilege and honour of working with Minister Abdullah came to respect his incisive and invaluable contributions to deliberations of the African Union and indeed other multilateral fora. In this regard, we will certainly miss his humble yet decisive interventions in all our gatherings.

" During this time of bereavement, we join in extending the thoughts and prayers of the people of our country to the government and peoples of Eritrea and in particular, his wife Sutum , the children and the broader Abdullah family.

" Accordingly and on behalf of President Thabo Mbeki, the government and people of South Africa, we lower our banners in solemn memory of this beloved son of the people of Eritrea and extend our heartfelt condolences to President Asayas Afewerki, the government and peoples of Eritrea during these difficult times" concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

29 August 2005.