South African Deputy President Motlanthe Attends Inauguration of Congo-Brazzaville President Denis Sassou-Nguesso

President of the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, has had his re-election upheld in the courts. The country is an oil-producing central African state.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos

JOHANNESBURG 14 August 2009 Sapa

MOTLANTHE ATTENDS SASSOU-NGUESSO'S INAUGURATION

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe arrived in Brazzaville in the
Congo on Friday for the inauguration of that country's president
elect, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, the presidency said.

"The deputy president takes with him to the inauguration a
message of assurance to the president-elect that 'South Africa is
committed to assist in the country's unwavering movement toward the consolidation of democracy and good governance'," said spokesman Steyn Speed in a statement.

As a result of his visit to Congo, Motlanthe will miss struggle
stalwart Ahmed Kathrada's 80th birthday celebrations, he said.

Motlanthe was due to address Kathrada's birthday rally at the
Trade Route Mall Convention centre in Lenasia on Friday evening.

"He is unable to attend as a result of his trip to Brazzaville.

"The birthday rally will continue as planned and the deputy
president extends a happy birthday message to Ahmed Kathrada on his 80th birthday," said Speed.