4 May 2000
The South African Government is deeply concerned about the continuing reports on the safety and well-being of the group of hostages, and takes serious note of anxiety caused to the South African public at large, and especially the family and relatives of Callie and Monique Strydom.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has appointed a special Task Team to deal with the hostage crisis on behalf of the government. A number of other key actions have also been taken by the Government, such as the dispatch of the South African High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Ms Lindiwe Mabuza who arrived in Manila on 02 May 2000.
Since her arrival in Manila, High Commissioner Lindiwe Mabuza has had talks with the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Domingo Siazon and the Secretary of Defence. The Philippine President in his meeting with High Commissioner Mabuza indicated that the Philippine Government would do everything possible to bring about the safe release of the hostage through a negotiated settlement.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will be sending additional personnel, who will arrive in Manila tomorrow morning, to assist the High Commissioner and the other official already there. They will maintain close contact with the Diplomatic Representatives of other countries whose citizens are also hostages, so as to co-ordinate joint efforts and strategies in securing the earliest possible release of the hostages. They will also be reporting to the Head Office daily, on the unfolding events and developments. The Deputy Director General, Mr. J M Matsila, this afternoon met the Philippine Ambassador to South Africa, Mr. Villacorte. During this meeting a demarche, calling for the maximum use of restraint and the non-use of any force in order not to endanger the lives of the hostages, was handed over.
The demarche also calls on the Philippine Government to assist in providing food, water, medicine, clothing and other necessities to the hostages and to allow access to the hostages by representatives of the Red Crescent and or Red Cross Societies. The South African Government also offered its assistance, should the need arise for such request from the Philippine authorities.
ENQUIRIES: DUMISANI RASHELENG
CELL PHONE: 083 709 8166
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRIVATE BAG X152
Pretoria
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