Bissau President Joab Vieira
2 March 2009
Pretoria: South African President and Chairperson of Southern African
Development Community (SADC) Kgalema Motlanthe, today, Monday 2 March 2009,
joined the African Union, Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas)
and indeed the international community in expressing outrage and an outright
condemnation of the callous murder of Guinea Bissau President Joab Vieira.
In this regard, President Motlanthe said: "South Africa and indeed the
entire SADC region were indeed shocked to learn of the callous murder of the
democratically-elected leader and President of Guinea Bissau, President Joab
Vieira.
"No amount of words can fully express the international community's outrage
and condemnation of such heinous acts. Consequently, we join the African
leadership and indeed the international community in expressing an outright
condemnation of this callous act.
"We welcome the assurance from the Guinea Bissau authorities that despite
these developments, the democratically-elected government of Guinea Bissau
remains in place. Accordingly, we welcome the commitment of the Guinea Bissau
armed forces to abide by and respect the rule of law and the constitution of
Guinea Bissau," concluded President Kgalema Motlanthe.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
2 March 2009
Source: SAPA
