President Thabo Mbeki Extends Condolences to South Sudan Following Plane crash

Pretoria – South African President Thabo Mbeki, today Monday 5 May 2008, telephonically extended South Africa’s condolences to Sudan’s First Vice President and President of South Sudan Salva Kirr, the government and people of South Sudan following a plane crash over the weekend in which 21 people died.

In this regard, President Mbeki said “Please accept Your Excellency, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa and indeed on my own behalf, our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of South Sudan following the weekend plane crash in which 21 people including the Minister of SPLA Affairs lost their lives”.

“Accordingly, the government and people of South Africa join in thought and prayer with the government and people of South Sudan and in particular those families who lost their loved ones”, continues President Mbeki.

“As the people of South Sudan, mourn and pay their respects to those who lost their lives in this crash, South Africa stands ready indeed, within its limited resources, to assist the people of South Sudan in what ever manner possible, and to help lessen the burden of pain”, concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private bag X152
Pretoria
0001

5 May 2008