President Thabo Mbeki Offers Condolences to Rwandan and Congolese Counterparts

Pretoria – South African President Thabo Mbeki today Monday 4 February 2008, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa and on his own behalf, conveyed to the Presidents and governments of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, his deepest condolences following the earthquakes that struck the two countries on Sunday 3 February 2008.

In a message of support to his counterparts President Paul Kagame and President Joseph Kabila, President Mbeki said: “Your excellencies, South Africa joins the international community in offering its deepest condolences to the governments and people of your countries following the deaths and injuries to a number of people, as well as damage and destruction to infrastructure and property occasioned by the earthquake” said President Mbeki.

“In this regard, the people of South Africa share in the pain, sorrow and loss of the governments and peoples of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo during this moment of bereavement” continued President Mbeki.

“In particular please extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives during this tragic incident. In this regard South Africa stands ready, within its limited resources, to join the international community in assisting the governments and peoples of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to deal with the aftermaths of this incident,” concluded President Thabo Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

4 February 2008