NEWS & MEDIA

Nelson Mandela Press Briefing
Tuesday, November 13, 2001

Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, opened his press briefing at the South African Embassy Residence today by expressing his sympathy and condemnation of the terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001.  He immediately followed this with an assertion of the need to avoid anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiments and to accurately identify and persecute those responsible.  Although he regrets that civilians were killed in the attacks and that force must be used as a strategy of response, he supports the U.S.-led efforts in Afghanistan against Osama bin Laden and his network ‘without reservation’ and sees force as the only remaining means of justification. 

In an assertive statement, Mr. Mandela condemned the hostility of the media towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its role in the War Against Terrorism.  He reaffirmed that it is unrealistic to expect Saudi Arabia to send troops and being that it is ‘ the cradle of Islam’ it is sufficient for them to condemn the attacks and express sympathy.  To support his statements, Mr. Mandela described the superiority of the country of Saudi Arabia in comparison to the Western world.  He praised the socio-economic conditions such as free schooling and government subsidized housing as well the treatment of the people by the government.  He continue to describe the relationship between the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, and his citizens who meet weekly.  This type of treatment is lacking considerably in Western countries, and cannot explain the reason for media hostility towards Saudi Arabia. 

The promotion automatically segued to Mr. Mandela’s intense stance and concern for U.S. involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict.  After meeting with President George Bush a day earlier, he expressed a grave concern at President Bush’s refusal to meet with Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat.  The refusal to meet and negotiate triggers serious reservations for him.  One country should not be the sole mediator of such a conflict, but rather a committee consisting of Britain, France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Russia was also suggested by President Bush.  Furthermore, this refusal to meet with Arafat eradicates the U.S. attempts to be impartial.  Mr. Mandela continued to outline the three requirements for successful implementation of a peace agreement between the two nations. First, Israel must withdraw from all territories captured during the Six-Day War in 1967.  Second, Palestine must recognize Israel’s right to exist.  Third, a United Nations Commission should be formulated to ensure all declarations are carried out.  Without the execution of these, it is impossible to expect peace in the Middle East. 

Following his statement, Mr. Mandela accepted questions from the media that encompassed the topics of terrorism and the South African government’s position on the War, his personal efforts in Burundi and President Bush’s Africa policy. 

In response to questions about his bold statements about the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Bush Administration, Mr. Mandela supported his position in reflection of history and the apartheid struggle.  Relating to the refusal of the National Party minority government to meet with the majority of racially oppressed strugglers merely intensified the repression and left no choice for them to take up arms.  Had negotiations taken place, an arms struggle could have been avoided.  This is to been recognized as a ‘lesson of history.’ 

In light of South Africa’ s response to the War Against Terrorism, Mr. Mandela announced that the South African government condemned the attacks and called for strong action against the terrorists.  However, the actions should not go beyond these measures.  The loss of 5,000 innocent civilians in the attacks is incomprehensible and deserves apprehension of the perpetrators.  However, he stressed caution in civilian casualties in the current war efforts in Afghanistan.

Prompted by questions about his involvement in Burundi, Mr. Mandela immediately praised the actions and contributions of former Tanzanian President, Julius Nyerere, who brought leaders together that were no longer speaking, introduced a transitional government on 1 November and transformed the economy from agrarian to modern.  His personal contributions are focused around training the younger generations of Burundians and ensuring their education and preparation for leadership and improvement of Burundi’s new and future society.  Plans are already underway for young citizens to study overseas in several different countries.  He insisted, “The credit goes to former President Nyerere.  I merely exploited his good work.”

Finally, Mr. Mandela reasserted his concern for Saudi Arabia’s reputation in the media and praised President Bush’s approach to recent events.  In addition, he is impressed by Bush’s approach to Africa and efforts to have discussions with its leaders, such as Nigerian President, Olesegun Obasanjo and South African President, Thabo Mbeki.  This reflects that Africa is a priority and is following the policy of who he believed was ‘the best president in U.S. history,’ Bill Clinton.  President Bush’s approach follows the same line of Bill Clinton’s who made a statement during his presidential visit to South Africa that indicated it is not what the U.S. can do ‘for’ Africa, but what they can do ‘with’ Africa.