Use of Diplomatic Channels by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to secure the release of the South African hostages, Bruno Pelizzari and Deborah Calitz, held hostage since 29 October 2010

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 398 (NW479E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 6-2012 OF 2 MARCH 2012

Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. Whether the Minister intends to pursue diplomatic channels to secure the release of South African hostages Bruno Pelizzari and Deborah Calitz held hostage since 29 October 2010; if not, why not; if so, what (a) progress has been made in this regard and (b) are the further relevant details.

REPLY:

1. Yes, the Minister continues to pursue diplomatic channels to secure the release of South African hostages Bruno Pelizzari and Deborah Calitz.  (a) The Minister met with her Somali counterpart on 13 March 2012 in South Africa in the context of enhancing diplomatic relations between the two countries.  This matter was also raised during this meeting.

2. The Minister held a meeting with representatives of the two families on 12 March 2012 to reassure them of the government’s commitment in securing the release of their loved ones.

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