Mandela Lands to a Warm Welcome in Ireland, Addresses Parliament Today
Nelson Mandela arrived to a warm Irish welcome Sunday, urging that sanctions against South Africa be kept so that apartheid is ended “not tomorrow but now.”
The black South African leader will make Irish history today by becoming the first foreigner apart from a prime minister or president to address Parliament. He also will talk with Prime Minister Charles Haughey before flying to London.
The Irish, staunch supporters of Mandela, thronged the center of the capital as he arrived from the United States for a ceremony. Dublin made Mandela an honorary citizen two years ago, the first capital city to do so.
Mandela immediately called for the maintenance of sanctions, a stance likely to win support here but face opposition in Britain. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wants sanctions lifted in recognition of South African President Frederik W. de Klerk’s reforms, which included releasing Mandela after 27 years in prison.
Mandela flew to Dublin from Oakland, his last stop on a 13-day North American visit.
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