President Mbeki Conveys a Message of Condolences on the Brazilian Air Crash

Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki today 19 July 2007 extended the heartfelt condolences of the government and people of South Africa to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Government and people of the of the Republic of Brazil following the plane crash at Sao Paulo's city airport on Tuesday 17 July 2007.

In a message of support to President Lula da Silva, President Mbeki said, "The Government and people of South Africa join the Government and people of Brazil in mourning the loss of your compatriots who perished when the Brazilian airliner TAM-320 crashed on 17 July 2007."

"We share in the pain and grief that this tragedy has brought not only to the families of those who lost their loved ones but also to the entire Brazilian nation. It is our hope that bereaved families can draw inspiration from the knowledge that their loss is shared by the peoples of the world.

"Accordingly, Your Excellency, please accept the heartfelt condolences of the Government and peoples of South Africa to the Government and people of Brazil" concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

19 July 2007