President Thabo Mbeki Extends Condolences on Death of Former Russian President Boris Yeltzin

Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki today Monday 23 April 2007, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa extended our heartfelt condolences to President Vladimir Putin, the government and peoples of the Russian Federation on the passing away of former President Boris Yeltsin earlier in the day.

The late President Yeltsin was indeed a friend of South Africa in his endeavours to consolidate and strengthen political, cultural and people-to-people relations between the Russian Federation and South Africa.

In this regard, the government and people of South Africa join the international community in sharing its thoughts and prayers with the family of the late President Yeltzin, the government and people of the Russian Federation during this period of national mourning.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

23 April 2007