Mbeki, Mandela join condemnation

By M.S. Prabhakara

CAPE TOWN, SEPT. 12. In a statement, the South African President, Mr. Thabo Mbeki condemned the ``dastardly actions'' in the U.S. and said the Government ``unreservedly denounced these senseless and horrific attacks''.

Another statement issued on behalf of the former President, Mr. Nelson Mandela, said ``Mr. Mandela condemns any terrorist attack, especially where innocent lives are lost''. There is some uncertainty whether Mr. Mandela, who was scheduled to travel to New York next week for the U.N. General Assembly's session on Children's Rights beginning on September 19, will make the journey now.

Leaders of ``faith communities'' have not been far behind. Both Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his successor, Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane, who led a prayer service at the St. George's Cathedral today, issued statements expressing their ``shock and dismay''. Various political parties and organisations too have issued statements. A South African rescue and relief team is planning to leave for New York.

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Section  : International
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