    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [June 4, 1999]
    [Pages 889-890]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on South Africa's National Elections
    June 4, 1999

        It is my great pleasure to congratulate President Nelson
    Mandela and the people of South Africa for
    Wednesday's successful national elections.
        It has been my honor and privilege to work with my great and
    courageous friend President Mandela during
    the past 5 years as he and his fellow citizens have worked to heal the
    wounds of the past and build a new, inclusive, democratic, and free
    South Africa. The elections Wednesday represent an important step on
    that continuing journey. Their peaceful and fair conduct and the
    tremendous voter turnout are a testament to South Africa's extraordinary
    transformation. I congratulate all the parties and candidates who
    participated.

        And on behalf of all Americans, I congratulate the people of South
    Africa for their determination and hard work to build a better future.
    By doing so, South Africa has reminded us of the preciousness of
    democracy and the resilience of the human spirit. South Africa's example
    shows the way forward for other troubled areas of the world, from Kosovo
    to the Middle East to Kashmir--inclusive, democratic government that
    represents the will of the people can be a bulwark against conflict and
    a foundation for reconciliation, cooperation, and lasting peace.

    [[Page 890]]

    We will continue to work in partnership with South Africa to build a
    world of justice and tolerance, opportunity and prosperity, democracy
    and security.