South Africa condemns Algerian Bomb Blasts

Pretoria- The South African Government joins UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and the entire international community in condemning Tuesday 11 December bomb blasts in Algiers which left over 62 people dead and scores of others wounded.

South Africa expresses its unequivocal condemnation of all forms of violence directed against civilians to promote political objectives. In this regard we reiterate our oft-stated view that violence can only beget violence.

Accordingly South Africa joins the international community in extending its heartfelt condolences to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the Government and People of Algeria during this moment of national bereavement.

We join the international community in reaching out in thought and prayer to all those families who lost their loved ones in this senseless violence. We express our conviction that the Algerian government will do everything in its power to ensure the perpetrators face the full might of justice.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

11 December 2007.