Americans realise that Africa is not one country, however, crime and security are major concerns for the 2010 World Cup, the US embassy in South Africa said on Thursday.
"... security situations need to be evaluated on a country by country basis," said US ambassador Donald Gips in a statement issued by the embassy.
This followed concerns over the safety of the cup to be held in South Africa in June due to a terrorist attack on the Togolese soccer team in Angola during the African Cup of Nations.
South African authorities moved to dispel fears saying it was illogical to link the two countries as they were miles apart.
Geographically, South Africa and Angola are separated by Namibia and Botswana.
"While crime and security will be major concerns for the World Cup, just as they are for sporting events worldwide, the United States is actively partnering with the South African government to address these concerns," Gips said.
The US government was working closely with the South African government and law enforcement agencies "to ensure appropriate security measures are in place for the World Cup".
That country's law enforcement representatives met regularly to discuss the security of its national team, the security of visiting US nationals and general national and regional safety issues, the statement read.
"The close co-operation between our two governments is a strong foundation for what promises to be a first-rate international sporting event," it said.
It added that the US mission in South Africa was "working intensely" to provide necessary services to Americans attending the soccer extravaganza to ensure their stay in the country was a "safe and enjoyable one".
"... security situations need to be evaluated on a country by country basis," said US ambassador Donald Gips in a statement issued by the embassy.
This followed concerns over the safety of the cup to be held in South Africa in June due to a terrorist attack on the Togolese soccer team in Angola during the African Cup of Nations.
South African authorities moved to dispel fears saying it was illogical to link the two countries as they were miles apart.
Geographically, South Africa and Angola are separated by Namibia and Botswana.
"While crime and security will be major concerns for the World Cup, just as they are for sporting events worldwide, the United States is actively partnering with the South African government to address these concerns," Gips said.
The US government was working closely with the South African government and law enforcement agencies "to ensure appropriate security measures are in place for the World Cup".
That country's law enforcement representatives met regularly to discuss the security of its national team, the security of visiting US nationals and general national and regional safety issues, the statement read.
"The close co-operation between our two governments is a strong foundation for what promises to be a first-rate international sporting event," it said.
It added that the US mission in South Africa was "working intensely" to provide necessary services to Americans attending the soccer extravaganza to ensure their stay in the country was a "safe and enjoyable one".
