    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [April 21, 2004]
    [Pages 648-649]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Elections in South Africa
    April 21, 2004

        I congratulate President Thabo Mbeki on
    South Africa's third democratic national election and his party's
    election victory. The United States also congratulates the people of
    South Africa as they celebrate on April 27 the 10th anniversary of
    freedom and democracy replacing apartheid rule. The United States
    welcomes the peaceful exercise of democracy demonstrated by the
    Government and people of the Republic of South Africa. All competing
    parties deserve recognition for playing their role in a multiparty
    democracy. We commend their acceptance of the outcome and their use of
    the legal system and the rule of law to resolve disputes.

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