Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Ask for Privacy  4/24/06

Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have issued a statement to press attempting to intrude on their Namibian holiday - "kindly asking" them for privacy during their vacation.

The Mr and Mrs Smith co-stars arrived in the African nation on 5 April (06) with their adopted children Maddox and Zahara Marley and have been staying at the luxury Burning Shores resort.

Since their arrival, the world's press have descended to the region in the hope of photographing eight months pregnant Jolie and her family.

In a signed statement given to the Namibian press, the couple write, "We love Africa and to be here in Namibia with our family is very special for us.

"To the local people who have been so kind and gracious, thank you for making us feel at home.

"As for the press, we kindly ask for privacy so that we can enjoy this beautiful country with our children."

Supporting their concerns, Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula told the media, "This lady is expecting.

"You guys are harassing her. Why don't you allow her some privacy? Harassment is not allowed in Namibia. If a person says they don't want to be photographed then, of course, that person deserves protection."