Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
30 October 2001
The South African government has noted recent domestic and international media reports that US attacks against various targets in Afghanistan have led to unfortunate deaths of civilians.
While South Africa recognises the right of the US government to track down the perpetrators of the September 11 terrorist attacks to face the full might of the law, the death of innocent civilians is a matter of concern.
The South African Government joins the international community in calling for restraint and care against the use of military strikes against civilians and the social and economic infrastructure.
The SA government also wishes to register its grave concern over the disastrous humanitarian tragedy that is unfolding in Afghanistan and calls on the United Nations to ensure that emergency supplies are delivered to the Afghan population as soon as possible and to address the refugee crisis.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853