South Africa extends condolences to Iraq following bomb attacks on Thursday, 23 November 2006

Pretoria: Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad on Monday 27 November 2006 expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Iraq following a spate of bomb attacks on Thursday 23 November 2006 in which at least 202 persons were killed and more than 250 wounded, thereby raising the ongoing incidence of violence to new horrific heights. Such terrorist acts against civilians can never be justified. It is against the interests of the Iraqi people.

The South African Government wishes to join leaders from all sectors of the Iraqi populace in calling for calm. As a young democracy, South Africa has also faced challenges of reconciliation. Based on our own experience, we firmly believe that peace, security and development in Iraq can only be achieved by all of Iraqi people working together to achieve this goal" Deputy Minister Pahad said.

Deputy Minister Pahad also strongly condemned the attacks, reiterating the South African Government conviction that dialogue and not violence is the only way to reach a lasting peace in Iraq, and in the region as a whole.

He added that such dialogue, as well as tolerance of different points of view and a willingness to compromise for the greater good of the country was regarded as essential to ensure that Iraq regains its rightful place in the Middle East and the broader international community.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

23 November 2006