STATEMENT ON CUBAN DOCTORS DEPORTED FROM ZIMBABWE

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs

7 June 2000

In response to media queries regarding two Cuban doctors deported from Zimbabwe, the Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to put the following on record:

• The two doctors were deported from Zimbabwe for alleged misconduct.
• The doctors arrived in South Africa on Friday 2 June through Johannesburg International Airport.
• The doctors were supposed to have boarded a connecting flight to France through Air France.
• However, due to improper flight arrangements, the doctors could not proceed to France.
• As a consequence the doctors stayed for two days at the Johannesburg International Airport.
• On Sunday 4 June, the two doctors, out of their own volition, returned to Harare, Zimbabwe.
• It is our information, confirmed by the Cuban mission in Pretoria, that the two doctors are currently making new arrangements to travel to Cuba from Zimbabwe; and are not in custody as reported by the media.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs P/Bag X152 Pretoria 0001