WORLD : Mandela Release: When, Not If
The justice minister today said jailed black leader Nelson Mandela definitely will be freed and might be asked to be a mediator between the government and the outlawed African National Congress.
Hendrik J. Coetsee, in an interview with the newspaper of the governing National Party, said the question no longer was whether Mandela would be released, “but when and under what circumstances.”
Coetsee was responding to widespread speculation that Mandela will be freed within the next few weeks, but he gave no indication when the release would occur.
The Cabinet is to meet Wednesday in Cape Town. South African political correspondents said Mandela’s release is certain to be discussed, as well as the possible lifting of the 30-year ban on the African National Congress, which Mandela led when he entered prison in 1962.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
