Issued by: Office of the Executive Deputy President T.M. MBEKI
Deputy President Thabo Mbeki was informed last night by United States Vice-President Al Gore of the cancellation of his visit to South Africa to co-chair the fifth sitting of the SA/US Bi-National Commission (BNC).
The cancellation of Vi e-President Gore's visit has also resulted in the postponement of the next sitting of the BNC to be held on 24-27 February 1998 in Pretoria.
South Africa accepts the reasons for the cancellation of Vice-President Gore's visit as outlined by US President Bill Clinton at a press conference held in Washington last night.
A later date to reconvene this sitting of the BNC would now be discussed by both governments.
Issued by: Ricky Naidoo Office of the Deputy President
Date 20 February 1998
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