[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 26, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    A HISTORICAL DAY IN SOUTH AFRICA

  Mr. PELL. Madam President, in an era of momentous developments, the 
beginning of the first multiracial elections today in South Africa is 
one of the most historic events of our time. This has been a pivotal 
week for the people of the Republic of South Africa. A week of 
exhilaration and hope as the country's majority cast their votes to 
determine the leadership of their country for the first time in their 
lives.
  I was moved by the elderly South Africans I saw standing in 
anticipation before their polling stations this morning, savoring their 
first-ever chance to cast a ballot and mindful of all that had passed 
to make the moment possible. Tomorrow we will see their younger 
counterparts making their choices. They have been the driving force in 
the struggle to end apartheid and their votes will be decisive in 
bringing about major changes in South Africa's leadership.
  South Africans and observers around the world anticipate that ANC 
leader Nelson Mandela will be the next leader of South Africa. I have 
met Mr. Mandela several times at the Foreign Relations Committee and I 
never cease to be impressed by his composure in the face of all he has 
endured and his resolve to do what is necessary to improve the lives of 
his people and all South Africans. As a promoter of peace and a man who 
made an admirable effort to cooperate with the present regime for the 
sake of his countrymen, I believe that if elected he will make an 
excellent president for all the people of South Africa.
  There are so many who deserve our praise for their total dedication 
to democracy in South Africa and to creating a state that governs for 
all its people regardless of race. President F.W. de Klerk warrants 
much admiration for the tough choices he made to advance democracy and 
peace in a nation that was so troubled. President de Klerk's commitment 
to dismantling apartheid brought a great deal of threatening criticism 
from a vocal white fringe even while the majority of whites voted in a 
referendum to support his vision of a united South Africa. Nonetheless, 
he persevered and the majority of whites supported President de Klerk's 
progressive actions even though decreased political power was to be the 
certain result of the changes he implemented.
  Now I urge de Klerk to find the means of controlling those elements 
of the radical minority who are using violence to derail the advent of 
democracy. Sunday and Monday's bombings left over 20 people dead and 
scores wounded. That such tragedy should come in the midst of such 
exhilaration is especially poignant. These rogue elements must 
understand that they will never succeed in crushing the democratic 
forces of South Africa. Their participation in violent acts is a 
terrible blemish on their community and the only option left for them 
is to make peace with their fellow South Africans and forge their 
future through democratic participation.
  Though I am troubled by the violence which has accompanied South 
Africa's transformation, I am at heart inspired by this historic 
election and delighted to see the spirit with which South Africans of 
all races are coming together to forge a new multiracial, multiparty 
government for the Republic of South Africa. In 1986, I was an original 
cosponsor of the Anti-Apartheid Act which helped to focus the 
administration on the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. In 
1993, I was proud to help introduce the legislation which repealed our 
sanctions against South Africa at the urging of Nelson Mandela. Nothing 
makes me happier than to be able to rejoice with South Africans today 
as they cast their ballots for democracy, peace and a new era.

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