Syria takes part in new South African president's inauguration

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and Foreign Trade Minister Muhammad al-Imadi on Tuesday arrived in Johannesburg to attend celebrations in South Africa on the occasion of the inauguration of Thabo Mbeki as the new president of South Africa.

Festivities and official ceremonies are due to start today in the presence of outgoing President Nelson Mandela and the representatives of some 150 states.