Pretoria - As the unrest continues in Libya, 30 South Africans have been evacuated from that country - a process the International Relations and Co-operation Department said was completed successfully.
Nine other SADC citizens from Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique, as well as one from the UK, were also evacuated in a flight that arrived after midnight at the Waterkloof Airforce Base in Pretoria.
At least 1 000 people are believed to have been killed in nearly two weeks of violence, in which eastern cities have fallen to anti-government forces as they try to push Muammar Gaddafi out of office. The UN estimates that about 100 000 people have fled anti-government unrest in Libya over the past week.
"After careful assessment of the security situation on the ground in Tripoli, it was decided that all South African diplomatic personnel would also evacuate until such time as it is safe to return to Libya," the department's spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, said.
The South African government earlier this month urged all Libyans to find a speedy and peaceful resolution to the crisis in their country.
Monyela said government continued to monitor the situation with interest and called on all parties involved to exercise restraint to prevent further loss of life.
"The South African Government will continue to monitor the situation in Libya and remains committed to provide assistance upon request from the Libyan people in ensuring a smooth transition to democratic rule."
SA also urged the Libyan government to abide by UN Security Council Resolution and ensure the safety of foreign nationals and their assets, and to facilitate the departure of those wishing to leave the country, as well as the safe passage of humanitarian and medical supplies, humanitarian agencies and workers, into Libya.
The UNSC has voted for tough restrictions against him. These measures include an arms embargo, assets freeze and travel bans for Gaddafi and members of his family and associates. The Security Council also referred the matter to the International Criminal Court.
Meanwhile, foreign ministers from around the world are gathering in Geneva to discuss their response to the mounting humanitarian crisis in the North African state.
