[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 17 (Monday, April 26, 2004)]
[Page 665]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.