Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma, today 25 January 2010, offered condolences to the Government and the families of the Ethiopian , Lebanese and other nationalities whose relatives were aboard the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in the early hours on Monday, 25 January 2010.
President Jacob Zuma said "On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa I wish to extend our condolences to the Governments and the people of Ethiopian and Lebanese and the families of the passengers on Ethiopian Airline Flight 409." Indeed the people of South Africa share the pain of loss of the loved ones and our hearts and prayers go to the affected families in particular.
President Jacob Zuma added: "We wish the Lebanese rescue and recovery team deployed at the scene of the crash every success in their efforts."
For more information contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi, on 082 940 1647.
Departments of International Relations and Cooperation
