The Sidelines : Parliament Urged to Lift Sports Sanctions Against South Africa : Lift Sanctions, Major Urges

British Prime Minister John Major called today for the lifting of sports sanctions against South Africa in a further reward to President Frederik W. de Klerk for his program to abolish apartheid.

Major, during question time in Parliament, said he had spoken with Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke earlier today and they agreed the Commonwealth must begin lifting sanctions imposed on South Africa’s minority white government.

“He and I both very strongly agree that the time has come to begin lifting the Commonwealth measures, in particular the sports sanctions, particularly where the sports are integrated in South Africa,” Major said. He said he also had consulted with President Bush about lifting sanctions.

Major’s comments came a day after the 12-member states of the European Community welcomed de Klerk’s reforms and said a package of EC sanctions against South Africa would be lifted when the remaining apartheid legislation is repealed.