President Mbeki extends Condolences to Russian Counterpart President Vladimir Putin

Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki today Wednesday 23 August 2006 conveyed the support and sincere condolences of the South African government and people to President Putin, the government and people of the Russian Federation following the plane crash on Tuesday 22 August 2006 in which 170 people were killed.

In a message of support to President Putin, President Mbeki said, "The government and people of South Africa join the government and people of the Russian Federation in mourning the loss of your compatriots who perished in a plane crash on Tuesday, 22 August 2006."

"We know, and know too well what pain and grief that plane crash has brought to bare on the families of those who lost their loved ones including the entire people of the Russian Federation."

"Nonetheless we express our hope that they can draw inspiration from the knowledge that the entire international community in general and the government and people of South Africa share in their sorrow."

"Accordingly please convey our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the Russian Federation and in particular members of the bereaved families," concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

23 August 2006