President Thabo Mbeki extends South Africa’s Condolences to Sudan and Kenya following recent Plane Crashes

Cape Town – South African President Thabo Mbeki, today Wednesday 11 June 2008, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, as well as on his own behalf, extended South Africa’s deepest condolences to the Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki following recent plane crashes in their respective countries, in which a number of people died, including a Minister and Deputy Minister.

In this regard, President Mbeki said “Please accept, Your Excellencies, our heartfelt condolences to the governments and peoples of your countries occasioned by the recent air crashes in your countries which robbed you of the lives of a number of your compatriots”.

“We can only imagine the pain and hurt these crashes have brought to bear on your countries and in particular on those families who lost their loved ones in these tragedies,” continued President Mbeki.

“As the government and people of South Africa, we can only but share in your pain and sorrow arising from the deaths of your compatriots, while wishing those wounded a speedy recovery,” said President Mbeki.

“Accordingly, we reach out to the governments and peoples of your countries and indeed members of the bereaved families in particular in prayer and thought during this period of mourning,” concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria

11 June 2008