[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURA-TION OF NELSON MANDELA

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate President 
Clinton's appointment of two leading citizens of Baltimore, Congressman 
Kweisi Mfume and Mayor Kurt Schmoke, to represent the United States at 
the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the new President of South 
Africa. It is truly an honor for Congressman Mfume and Mayor Schmoke to 
be selected to witness this incredible event, the culmination of years 
of struggle by the people of South Africa and their supporters around 
the world.
  President Clinton could not have done better than select these two 
men to represent the people of Baltimore, of Maryland, and of the 
entire Nation. Their record of accomplishment is long and 
distinguished, and they have strongly supported the struggle to free 
South Africa from the chains of apartheid. These men are truly two of 
``Baltimore's Best,'' and as a resident of Baltimore myself, I am 
doubly proud.
  Mr. President, we live in extraordinary times. We have witnessed the 
collapse of communism, the end of the cold war, the tearing down of the 
Berlin Wall, and the rise of democracy and free enterprise around the 
world. Now we are witnessing the rebirth of South Africa, the end of 
the evil apartheid system, and the triumph of one of the world's great 
leaders, Nelson Mandela. The long-awaited rebirth of South Africa, 
brought about through a relatively peaceful transition, may be the most 
extraordinary event of all.
  As I watched the struggle for freedom in South Africa, I was reminded 
of a similar struggle in Poland. I will always remember the great day 
when Lech Walesa, the architect of Poland's freedom, became President 
of a Poland free from Soviet domination and communism. What a great day 
that was for the Polish people and for freedom-loving people 
everywhere.
  I experienced that same feeling of euphoria and deep emotion as I 
watched ordinary South African citizens waiting patiently in long 
lines, some waiting overnight in the open, to vote in a free election 
for the first time in their lives. It was a great triumph for the human 
spirit, and an amazing tribute to Nelson Mandela and the other South 
African leaders, who with skill and patient negotiation, brought about 
this election.
  Soon we will see Nelson Mandela, this great, good man, assume his 
well-deserved role as the first freely elected President of South 
Africa. Throughout the long, hard years of his imprisonment and 
struggle for a free South Africa, he never became bitter or lost his 
commitment to a nonviolent transition. His patience and firm leadership 
have finally been rewarded. Our prayers and best wishes go out to him 
as he begins to create a government of all the people, by all the 
people, and for all the people.
  I also want to congratulate Mr. DeKlerk and Chief Buthelezi for their 
wisdom and grace in pursuing a peaceful transition of power in South 
Africa. At a time when it is so tempting to attempt to settle conflicts 
at gunpoint, the leaders of South Africa chose to settle their 
differences at the bargaining table. They will be remembered as heroes 
as well as founding fathers in the history of South Africa.
  Mr. President, Congressman Mfume and Mayor Schmoke will hear witness 
to one of the pivotal events of the 20th century. It is more than 
fitting that two such distinguished champions of civil rights in the 
United States, should be present at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela.
  The rest of us will look on in wonder, and some day we will tell our 
grandchildren with pride that we watched the birth of a brave new 
nation, of a free South Africa.
  Congratulations to you, Mr. Mandela, and to all of the South African 
people. You have reminded us in the most eloquent way that freedom and 
the right to vote are priceless and should never be taken for granted.

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