The South African Government condemns Norway Attacks

Pretoria: South African President, Jacob Zuma has joined other world leaders and the international community in extending condolences to Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and the Norwegian people - following two separate attacks in Oslo, Norway on Friday, 22 July 2011. 

President Zuma said he has “learnt with shock, disbelief and sadness of the bombings in the heart of Oslo and the subsequent shootings at a Youth Camp, resulting in the death of scores of people. It is in this regard that I wish to extend the Government and the People of South Africa’s sincere condolences to the Government and the people of Norway, especially to the families of the deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of mourning and sadness”.

The Government of the Republic of South Africa wish to reiterate its principle of peaceful resolve to conflicts wherever they might be, and abhors in the strongest words possible acts of violence and intimidation, clearly directed at the State and intended to hurt young citizens who actively engage in Norway’s democratic and political society. We therefore condemn all forms of attacks on our historical Norwegian friends, and wish to re-assure them that we will stand alongside them to defeat the enemies of peace, stability and development in the world.

It is our government’s wish and hopes that those responsible will be brought to book and face the full might of the Norwegian law. The government of South Africa urges that those responsible to be brought to justice.

After our official correspondence with our Mission in Oslo, we wish to inform that there were no South Africans who were either hurt or killed in the bombing and the shooting that took place. People who might want more information on their relatives in Norway could contact the Department at 012-351-1000.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

23 JULY 2011