South African Government condemns Pakistani Bomb Blasts

Pretoria- The South Government today, Friday 19 October 2007 joins the international community in expressing its outrage and condemnation of the Pakistani bomb-blasts which left over 100 people dead and countless others wounded and maimed.

The South African government, as does the international community can never condone any attacks aimed at an unarmed and defenceless civilian population to attain any form of political objectives.

In this regard, the South African government calls on the Pakistani authorities to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of all those responsible for such heinous acts in ensuring they face the full might of the law.

We reiterate our view, informed by our own experience in the transition from apartheid to democracy that the solution to current political challenges facing Pakistan remains a negotiated political solution.

Accordingly, we call for a peaceful dialogue among the main political protagonists in Pakistan as part of efforts to finding a lasting solution to their political challenges.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

19 October 2007.