Mandela Urges Peace, Marks Freedom
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SOWETO, South Africa — African National Congress deputy leader Nelson Mandela, celebrating his first Christmas at home in nearly 30 years, appealed to South Africans on Monday to work for peace so blacks never again spend the holiday “in chains.”
In Pretoria, ANC President Oliver Tambo met for the first time with President F. W. de Klerk. The meeting was described as a “courtesy visit.” Afterward, Tambo told reporters he hopes South Africa will have a “full recovery from apartheid” by Christmas next year.
Mandela, ANC deputy president, read a 2 1/2-page message in which he lamented political violence but expressed optimism for peace.
“Let us vow never to celebrate another Christmas in chains,” he said.
In related news, police said eight people died during the weekend in unrest in Natal province, including two people shot to death by police.
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