Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 5, 1990 TAG: 9005050021
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA LENGTH: Medium
"It is the realization of a dream for which we have worked patiently and consistently," Mandela said after three days of talks, the first ever between the ANC and government.
The sides said a "working group" will be created to try to open full negotiations on changing the constitution.
In a major clause, their communique said the government "reiterates its commitment to work toward lifting" the nearly 4-year-old state of emergency. Lifting the emergency is one of the ANC's demands before constitutional negotiations can begin.
The communique indicated the delegations made progress on most other issues as well. Among them, it said the government will consider "urgently granting" temporary immunity from prosecution to ANC executive members in exile. Granting the ANC exiles immunity has been another demand of the African National Congress.
"I regard what is contained in this document as an important breakthrough in the peaceful process we want to take place in South Africa," de Klerk said.
He said no agreement had been made on further talks, but the working group would report by May 21.
In Washington, the United States hailed the "courageous decision" to work toward further talks.
In addition to lifting the state of emergency, the ANC wants the release of all political prisoners and the return from exile of top ANC officials without fear of prosecution.
The state of emergency has been in effect since June 1986, and the ANC says it is used by police to suppress political activity and peaceful dissent.
The government says it wants to lift the emergency, but it remains necessary to combat black factional fighting that has claimed more than 600 lives this year, many in the southeastern province of Natal.
The communique stressed the need to end that political violence, which pits Zulu factions against each other.
The government also has demanded the ANC renounce its largely ineffective guerrilla war.
"The ANC will therefore look into the question of the armed struggle and take appropriate decisions," Mandela said.
De Klerk has rejected majority rule for South Africa's 28 million blacks and says there must be safeguards for the 5 million whites and other minorities, including veto power over government decisions. The ANC insists it wants full democracy with no special privileges for any group.
The two leaders, who shook hands and smiled in front of news cameras, disagreed during the news conference on several issues, including apartheid and international economic sanctions.
Asked if apartheid was dead in South Africa, Mandela replied, "I must tell you what I have told the state president and his delegation: that 27 years ago when I went to jail I had no vote and 27 years thereafter I still have no vote and that is due to the color of my skin."
De Klerk responded that talks would be needed before blacks would get to vote. "While apartheid is going in South Africa, the anti-apartheid movements are keeping it alive," he said without further explanation.
But Mandela also was quick to praise de Klerk, saying, "I have not the slightest doubt that the state president means what he says. And I have no doubt whatsoever about their (the government's) integrity," he said.
by CNB