Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
8 July 2002
President Mbeki, on behalf of the Government and people South Africa, offers condolences to the President, Government and people of Afghanistan on the assassination of Vice President Haji Abdul Qadir, Afghanistan's Minister of Public Works and one of the country's three vice presidents.
The South African Government condemn's unreservedly the actions of those who perpetrated the assassination of Vice President Qadir.
Mr Qadir's untimely and violent death at this important stage of Afghanistan's transition toward democracy is a reminder that the leaders of Afghanistan's transitional government must remain ever vigilant against the enemies of peace, freedom and democracy in their country.
For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.