Minister
30 July 2007
Bouake: South African President Thabo Mbeki, supported by Defence Minister
Mosiuoa Lekota, today Monday, 30 July 2007 arrived in Bouake, Cote d'Ivoire,
where he joined Presidents Laurent Gbagbo and John Kufuor as Chair of the
African Union at the Symbolic Burning of Weapons Ceremony.
This ceremony marks the launch of the disarmament process throughout Cote
d'Ivoire.
President Mbeki will immediately following the ceremony hold discussions
with Ivorian Prime Minister Guillaume Soros on the progress in the national
identification and disarmament processes.
On conclusion of discussions with Prime Minister Soros, President Mbeki will
travel to Yamassoukro, Cote d'Ivoire where he will participate in the
graduation of the 37th Battalion before departing for South Africa.
President Mbeki will return to South Africa on Tuesday, 31 July 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 July 2007
Source: SAPA
