Statement on evacuation plan for South African nationals in distress in Lebanon

Pretoria: Subsequent to an announcement by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad during a media briefing yesterday, 18 July 2006 in which the Deputy Minister stated " The South African government was negotiating with some of our European partners regarding the evacuation of South African nationals
in distress in Lebanon", the Department of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that our request was acceded to.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma this morning, expressed her appreciation to the French and British governments for this humanitarian gesture.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is in the process of advising families in South Africa and nationals requiring assistance in Lebanon of the arrangements for their evacuation.

Once more, the South African government reiterates its appeal to nationals and families to directly co-operate with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs in its endeavours to bring back South Africans under extremely difficult conditions.

The South African representative to Syria, Ambassador Mohamed Dangor continues to render consular assistance to the nationals affected.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459 3787

Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001

19 July 2006