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20 April 2007

Further to my recent visit on government business to Iran, my attention has been drawn to Iranian media reports which claim that I had "praised Iran's wise stance regarding its nuclear programme."

For the record, I had fully endorsed the South African government's position in my meeting with the Supreme National Security Council's Secretary Mr Ali Larijani and others. I did not use the terminology as reported by the Iranian media at all.

I attach the media statement which I drew up concerning the discussion I had with Mr Larijani and had insisted that only that be used for media communication.

Media statement issued in Iran today, dated 11 April 2007

Ronnie Kasrils, Minister for Intelligence Services of the South African Government has been on a visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. He has had a fruitful meeting with Mr Ali Larinjani Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran and Iran's Chief Nuclear Negotiator. The meeting was held in the spirit of advancing the existing good relations of friendship, co-operation and understanding between the governments and peoples of the two countries. The two ministers expressed their satisfaction with their meeting which like the rest of Minister Kasrils' visit to Iran has been a positive one.

Enquiries:
Lorna Daniels
Cell: 082 418 3389
E-mail: lornad@mweb.co.za

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
20 April 2007
Source: SAPA