Bill Clinton: “African Leaders July 2, 1993 The President held separate meetings this afternoon with South African State President F.W.…”

“African Leaders July 2, 1993 The President held separate meetings this afternoon with South African State President F.W. de Klerk and African National Congress President Nelson Mandela. The meetings lasted about 30 minutes each. The two meetings focused on the process of democratic reform in South Africa and how the United States can assist that historic process. The President expressed his appreciation for the leadership demonstrated by both individuals in moving South Africa towards the threshold of a nonracial democracy. He expressed particular admiration to President Mandela for his courage and dignity through decades of struggle and sacrifice against the evils of apartheid and to President de Klerk for his wisdom and determination in moving to dismantle that destructive system. He welcomed the announcement earlier today of the setting of a date for holding the first nonracial elections in South Africa's history and the progress made toward creation of a Transitional Executive Council (TEC) which will help ensure those elections are free and fair. The President welcomed the progress achieved in the negotiations in the last few days and commended all those working for a peaceful transition to democracy. He pledged that the United States will be a full partner in building democracy in South Africa, including continued support for programs of voter education and training of election monitors.…”