[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 10, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURA- TION OF NELSON MANDELA

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of a truly 
historic event. For today is the day of Nelson Mandela's inauguration 
as the new President of South Africa. Elected through free and open 
elections in which, for the first time, all South Africans were able to 
vote, he is South Africa's first black President. South Africa has, at 
long last, leapt across the chasm from apartheid to majority rule.
  It is a tribute to Nelson Mandela's leadership, dedication, and 
strength that over 30 million South Africans have achieved their dream 
of exercising the fundamental right to vote, without regard to race. 
What an inspiring sight, watching millions of Africans standing 
patiently and peacefully in long lines stretched across the open 
African landscape waiting to vote. And they persevered, despite the 
violence and destruction which some groups used to try to disrupt the 
election.
  We should also honor the remarkable role of F.W. de Klerk, formerly 
the President and now the new Deputy President of South Africa. Because 
of his courage and vision, South Africa was able to avoid all-out civil 
war over apartheid. Peaceful change occurred in South Africa because 
former President de Klerk was willing to negotiate himself out of 
power. And, we should pay tribute to the world community for its 
disapproval of apartheid, expressed most effectively through economic 
sanctions, which helped force the abandonment of racial discrimination.
  Apartheid in South Africa has ended and a country once immersed in 
racial turmoil begins its journey toward a society of laws based on 
universal suffrage. This is indeed a joyous occasion; but it must be 
viewed with a sense of challenge as well. South Africa, which has the 
strongest economy in Southern Africa, must deal with the possibility of 
tribal warfare and the economic challenges posed by neighbors who are 
less well off and by a society where economic disparity is all too 
evident. The African National Congress must now share power with many 
of its historic rivals. The ANC must now make a successful transition 
from opposition to governance. Former President F.W. de Klerk, who 
initiated the move to end apartheid, must now work with President 
Mandela to build a strong coalition among the many parties and all 
races in South Africa and to solve the problems which persist. These 
are not insignificant challenges; but a society which has made the leap 
South Africa has should be able to move forward to a brighter tomorrow.
  I was very encouraged by President Clinton's announcement last week 
that the United States will recognize the opportunities and challenges 
of this new South African Government with a package of assistance to 
promote trade, aid, and investment worth nearly $600 million. The 
Commerce Department will send a new full-time minister to Johannesburg 
to promote bilateral and regional trade ties with the United States. As 
President Clinton has emphasized, we must enable the citizens of South 
Africa to reach their potential economically for this is critical to 
preserving a democracy of tolerance, hope, and opportunity.
  A new flag has risen in South Africa. I am proud to have witnessed 
the historic events which have led to this day. I pay tribute to Nelson 
Mandela, whose patience and spirit both in captivity and in triumph 
have set an example for us all. I offer the people of South Africa my 
full support in the challenging days which lie ahead and my 
congratulations on their victory today.

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