    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 15, 1993]
    [Page 1758]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Nobel Peace Prize Recipients Nelson Mandela and
    F.W. de Klerk
    October 15, 1993

        The Nobel Committee has made an inspired choice in selecting ANC
    President Nelson Mandela and State President F.W. de Klerk to share the
    1993 Nobel Peace Prize. These two farsighted and courageous leaders have
    overcome a legacy of racial distrust to reach agreement on a framework
    which has set South Africa on the path of peaceful reconciliation and
    nonracial democracy. It is entirely fitting that, having worked so
    closely together for progress, they should share the most prestigious
    international recognition for their success in setting in motion the
    transition to a new political order in South Africa.
        In selecting these two great leaders, the Nobel Committee has also
    chosen to honor the many other South Africans who have struggled for so
    long to achieve racial harmony and justice. It is a testament to the
    great strides for progress they have made and an endorsement of their
    hope for a free and democratic South Africa.
        It is sadly ironic that just as Presidents de Klerk and Mandela
    receive the recognition they and their associates so richly deserve,
    others hesitate to join them in the creation of a new, fully democratic
    South Africa. Still others are committed to violence which could destroy
    their current and future achievements. I urge those who have withdrawn
    from the common political process to rethink their positions and
    contribute their efforts to complete the great work undertaken by
    Presidents Mandela and de Klerk.
        The American people join me in offering their deepest
    congratulations to these two great statesmen and all the people of South
    Africa. I am certain that with similar courage and dedication they can
    face the challenges and tasks ahead. The many Americans from all walks
    of life who supported the struggle to end apartheid will be at the side
    of South Africans as they build a nonracial democracy.