Brazilian air crash
19 July 2007
Pretoria: South African President Thabo Mbeki today, 19 July 2007, extended
the heartfelt condolences of the government and people of South Africa to
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the government and people of the of the
Republic of Brazil following the plane crash at Sao Paulo's city airport on
Tuesday, 17 July 2007.
In a message of support to President Lula da Silva, President Mbeki said,
"The government and people of South Africa join the government and people of
Brazil in mourning the loss of your compatriots who perished when the Brazilian
airliner TAM-320 crashed on 17 July 2007."
"We share in the pain and grief that this tragedy has brought not only to
the families of those who lost their loved ones but also to the entire
Brazilian nation. It is our hope that bereaved families can draw inspiration
from the knowledge that their loss is shared by the peoples of the world."
"Accordingly, Your Excellency, please accept the heartfelt condolences of
the government and peoples of South Africa to the Government and people of
Brazil" concluded President Mbeki.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
19 July 2007
