[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 I urge those who have withdrawn 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.