The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the families of the victims of the crash of the Mozambique Airlines aircraft in Namibia.

Following is the text of the message from President Cavaco Silva:

“I was deeply distressed upon being advised of the accident occurred with the Mozambique Airlines aircraft in Namibia.

According to the news available at this time, there were six Portuguese nationals on board. Diplomatic and consular services have been in touch with the respective families and with the authorities of the countries concerned, in order to closely follow up all the terrible events.

I continue accompanying with the deepest of regrets the developments related with this tragic accident, hoping that the response of the search and rescue teams allows the affected families to be at peace.

In this difficult moment, I want to address the Portuguese families concerned, my deepest expression of heartfelt solidarity.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”