Foreign Affairs on D Gibson's diplomatic posting speculation

17 August 2007

In response to media queries regarding the speculation that Douglas Gibson,
Democratic Alliance (DA), may be posted to the United Arab Emirates, the
Department of Foreign Affairs puts it on record that:

Appointments of South Africa's ambassadors and high commissioners are a
prerogative of President Thabo Mbeki acting on the advice of Minister of
Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

In this regard, such appointments as made and ratified by President Mbeki
are made public through media statements issued through the Department of
Foreign Affairs.

Enquiries:

Ronnie Mamoepa

Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs

17 August 2007