Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 25, 1990 TAG: 9006250253
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/2 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Mandela praised U.S. support for the fight against apartheid, describing its value as "beyond words," and said he would press his case for continued economic sanctions against South Africa during his official talks with Bush.
The deputy president of the African National Congress said his group is committed to achieving its ends peacefully, but he indicated its patience was not without limits.
"If we are forced to resort to violence, it is because we have no other alternative," he said. "The methods of political action . . . were determined by the South African government."
Bush pledged continued support for the black majority in South Africa and called for all parties to work through negotiations - not armed struggle - to achieve a democratic society.
"Sir, we here in America walk in solidarity with all the South Africans who seek through non-violent means democracy, human rights and freedom," Bush said.
Bush also said the United States will maintain sanctions until the white government of President F.W. de Klerk meets all conditions spelled out in an anti-apartheid law. Those conditions have yet to be met.
Earlier, U.S. officials said $10 million that Congress has allocated for South African groups cannot go to the ANC until it renounces violence.
While his previous stops in New York and Boston were largely celebratory - with hundreds of thousands of supporters attending enthusiastic rallies - Mandela got down to business during his three-day visit to Washington.
On Sunday, Mandela told black reporters that economic sanctions were vital in softening the South African government's hard line on apartheid.
"It is therefore necessary for you to continue to put on the pressure on your government and on Congress," said Mandela, who was freed in February after being imprisoned for 27 years by the South African government.
Assistant Secretary of State Herman Cohen said the main U.S. emphasis was to find out Mandela's views on how to proceed with negotiations between the ANC and the South African government.
The U.S. sanctions, which have had a harsh impact on the South African economy, include a ban on all new U.S. investment and trade embargoes on items such as oil and agricultural products.
Mandela arrived at National Airport in mid-afternoon Sunday, greeted by Randall Robinson, a leader in the U.S. anti-apartheid movement, officials of the District of Columbia government and Effi Barry, the wife of Mayor Marion Barry.
Barry, who is on trial on drug and perjury charges, did not attend.
by CNB