Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad to Host Sri Lankan Delegation

Pretoria - South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad will host a senior Sri Lankan delegation for discussions aimed at sharing South Africa's constitutional experiences on Monday 23 April 2007 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The Sri Lankan delegation will consist of the Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, Douglas Devananda and the leader of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Hon. V Anandasangaree. The Sri Lankan delegation is expected to visit South Africa from Monday - Saturday 23-28 April 2007 during which they will visit Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Deputy Minister Pahad will host this delegation within the framework of South Africa's Road Map of engagement with the broad leadership of Sri Lanka with a view to conflict resolution in that country. The Road Map aims to support the Norwegian led facilitation team to promote dialogue and seek ways to return to peace negotiations.

This visit will pave the way for an invitation to the Sri Lankan President to visit South Africa on an official working visit to engage all stake-holders.

While in South Africa the delegation is expected to hold talks with Minister Zola Skweyiya, the Commissioner of SARS Pravin Gordhan, participate in a conference hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Justice Albie Sachs, the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, the Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC Sanki Mthembi-Mahanyele, Blade Nzimande of the South African Communist Party, Ella Ghandi of the Ghandi Foundation, interact with Tamil groups based in Durban and ACCORD.

The delegation is expected to depart from South Africa on Saturday 28 April 2007.

Media Programme for Meeting between Sri Lankan Delegation and Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad Monday 23 April 2007

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

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

22 April 2007