    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [July 2, 1993]
    [Pages 991-992]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by the Press Secretary on the President's Meetings With South
    African Leaders
    July 2, 1993

        The President held separate meetings this afternoon with South
    African State President F.W. de Klerk and African National Congress
    President Nelson Mandela. The meetings lasted about 30 minutes each.
        The two meetings focused on the process of democratic reform in
    South Africa and how the United States can assist that historic process.
    The President expressed his appreciation for the leadership demonstrated
    by both individuals in moving South Africa towards the threshold of a
    nonracial democracy. He expressed particular

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    admiration to President Mandela for his courage and dignity through
    decades of struggle and sacrifice against the evils of apartheid and to
    President de Klerk for his wisdom and determination in moving to
    dismantle that destructive system. He welcomed the announcement earlier
    today of the setting of a date for holding the first nonracial elections
    in South Africa's history and the progress made toward creation of a
    Transitional Executive Council (TEC) which will help ensure those
    elections are free and fair.
        The President welcomed the progress achieved in the negotiations in
    the last few days and commended all those working for a peaceful
    transition to democracy. He pledged that the United States will be a
    full partner in building democracy in South Africa, including continued
    support for programs of voter education and training of election
    monitors. He stressed the need to begin to tackle the cruel legacies of
    apartheid, including economic inequity, unemployment, inadequate
    housing, and poor education for South Africa's nonwhite population. He
    said that the United States will press for a commitment at the G-7
    summit in Tokyo next week to reintegrate South Africa into the world
    economy with agreement on a nonracial democracy.
        The President noted that the administration is working with Congress
    and antiapartheid groups to develop additional support measures once
    negotiations have progressed to the point where it is appropriate to
    lift remaining sanctions. Among these measures are negotiation of an
    OPIC investment encouragement agreement, a tax treaty, and a housing
    investment guarantee program. Once the TEC is created, the United States
    will stand ready to support its institutions designed to facilitate a
    smooth transition to democracy.
        The President also underscored the importance of the private sector
    in creating growth and equality in South Africa. He looks forward to the
    day when all South Africans can call for the lifting of remaining
    economic and financial sanctions, including state and local government
    sanctions, and hopes that day will come soon.
        The President also expressed to President de Klerk the deep
    appreciation of the United States for the recent decision by the
    Government of South Africa to forgo development of a space-launch
    vehicle program. He noted that the United States can now look forward to
    cooperation with a democratic South Africa on the peaceful uses of space
    technology.
        The President said that he welcomed the opportunity to celebrate our
    Independence Day by presenting Freedom Awards to Presidents de Klerk and
    Mandela in Philadelphia on Sunday, July 4.