The South African Government was deeply shocked to learn of the untimely death of the Greek Senior Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yannos Kranidiotis, who died on 14 September 1999 in a freak aeroplane accident on his way to a Summit of Foreign Ministers of the Balkan States in Bucharest. His son Nicholas, who was accompanying him, was among the six other persons who died.
Mr Kranidiotis was personally committed to the promotion of the ties of friendship between our two countries. This was evident during his working visit to South Africa in February 1998 and later that same year when he attended the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Durban.
The South African Government and people of South Africa extend their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the Greek Government, the family of Mr Kranidiotis, as well as to the families of the other victims for their terrible losses.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
15 SEPTEMBER 1999