South African Government statement on the situation in Thailand

Pretoria - South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, today Wednesday 20 September on behalf of the South African government expressed outrage and condemnation of the coup in Thailand.

"The South African government joins UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and indeed the entire international community in expressing an outright condemnation of the unconstitutional transfer of power in Thailand on Tuesday 19 September” said Deputy Minister Pahad

“Having just emerged from the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in which member-states committed themselves to democracy, good governance and the rule of law, the coup in Thailand flies in the face of these commitments” further said Deputy Minister Pahad.

“In this regard, the unconstitutional transfer of power from whatever quarter and in pursuance of whatever objectives should never be encouraged anywhere in the world” continued Deputy Minister Pahad

“Accordingly, the South African Government expresses its hope that all efforts will be made to ensure the immediate return to the rule of law and constitutionality” concluded Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

20 September 2006