WORLD : Mandela Slams Japan Aid Effort
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TOKYO — South African black leader Nelson Mandela today called Japan’s financial contribution to the anti-apartheid movement “absolutely insignificant” compared to money given by other nations.
He said that of four countries he has visited on an Asia-Pacific tour, only Japan has failed to pledge money to his African National Congress.
Mandela, 72, told a news conference that he had asked the Japanese government to contribute $25 million to the ANC to help it achieve stability and negotiate with the South African government for an end to apartheid.
“The Japanese government has disclosed that they have already spent $1.8 million toward assisting in improving the conditions of our people in South Africa,” Mandela said.
Compared to aid from other nations, “the contribution of the Japanese government is absolutely insignificant,” he said.
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