President Mandela expressed deep shock after receiving a report on the untimely death of President Mohamed Taki Abdulkarim of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, earlier today. On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Mandela conveys his sincere condolences to the family of the late President as well as to the people of the Comoros. President Mandela described President Taki's death as a sad loss not only for the Comoros, but also for the entire African continent.
The South African Government will continue its efforts to facilitate negotiations aimed at resolving divisions within the archipelago and hopes that President Taki's untimely death will lead all political forces in the country to recommit themselves to reconciliation.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA 6 NOVEMBER 1998