South Africa
* Franklin Zimring was right on target in “A Country Where There Is No Status Quo” (Commentary, June 30) when he highlighted the dramatic strides toward peace and democracy in South Africa. The U.S. media have failed to adequately cover the ongoing constitutional discussions in the former land of apartheid. The media have focused instead on the sporadic outbursts of violence among the frustrated minority who yearn to see a truly democratic government in place.
South Africa has achieved what the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia failed to do: create a climate of cooperation and brotherhood despite a legacy of significant differences. Clearly now is the time to rescind all remaining sanctions against South Africa so as to help build up a strong and vibrant economy in the “new” South Africa.
In view of their efforts, I concur wholeheartedly with Zimring that President Frederik W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela must be early front-runners for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.
JONATHAN M. FINE
Newport Beach
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