Mandela Espouses Racial Tolerance as Farrakhan Visits South Africa

President Nelson Mandela lectured Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan on tolerance Sunday, saying South Africa rejects racism and sexism and reveres all religions.

Farrakhan, often criticized for making remarks considered antagonistic toward whites, Jews and women, was conciliatory following his 30-minute private meeting at Mandela’s home.

“All of the principles that President Mandela has outlined we agree with totally,” the black Muslim leader told reporters. “Islam is a religion which, if practiced, disallows . . . racism, injustice, tyranny and oppression.”

Mandela said he outlined “the fundamental principles on which our policies are based and on which we are trying to build a new South Africa.”

The discussion followed warnings by South African white extremists and the white-led National Party that Farrakhan’s three-day visit could set back racial reconciliation in South Africa.

Mandela has called on blacks and whites to come together since white minority rule ended with his election two years ago. Asked if racial divisions also could be bridged in the United States, Farrakhan said the key in South Africa is Mandela’s leadership.

Farrakhan visited South Africa on a 27-day tour of Africa that also has taken him to Nigeria, where he met with military dictator Gen. Sani Abacha, and Libya, where he met with Moammar Kadafi.

Mandela defended Farrakhan’s contacts with the two leaders, who have been accused of human rights abuses.

Although Mandela led international criticism of Nigeria for the hangings of nine environmental activists in November, he said he plans to meet with Abacha if the Nigerian leader frees jailed political dissidents and embraces political reform.