President Thabo Mbeki to attend Inauguration of Sudanese President, Khartoum, Sudan, Saturday, 9 July 2005

Gleneagles - South African President Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, will, upon conclusion of the G-8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland travel to Khartoum, Sudan for the inauguration of President Omar Hassan Ahmed el-Bashir and his two deputies, Vice Presidents Dr John Garang and Ali Osman Taha.

President Mbeki and Deputy Minister Pahad will attend the ceremony in South Africa's capacity as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Committee on Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Sudan. The visit must therefore be understood within the context of South Africa's stated objective of promoting the peaceful resolution of conflicts whilst encouraging post conflict reconstruction and development.

President El-Bashir will after the inauguration sign into law the interim national constitution that will govern the activities of the Sudanese government of national unity for the next six years of the transitional period.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in January this year has held very well with all sides working towards creating the conditions for peace and stability in Sudan. South Africa will thus continue to work for successful implementation of the current peace process.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

8 July 2005