WORLD IN BRIEF : SOUTH AFRICA : Criticism by ANC Brings Reform Delay

The South African government postponed a key reform in retaliation for a blast of criticism from Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress. Justice Minister Hendrik J. Coetseesaid that, following ANC accusations that Pretoria was trying to undermine black-white reconciliation, he would delay announcing guidelines for the release of political prisoners and the return of exiles. The two issues are among the ANC’s conditions for entering formal negotiations with the white government on ending apartheid and enfranchising the black majority.