Séamus Pattison
Ceist:16 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding his recent meeting with Nelson Mandela.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meeting with Nelson Mandela.
At the invitation of President Kaunda of Zambia and on behalf of the Taoiseach, who was unable to go due to other commitments, I travelled to Lusaka to meet Nelson Mandela. I met Mr. Mandela, who was accompanied by Mr. Walter Sisulu and Mrs. Sisulu, on 28 February. I told Mr. Mandela how great an honour it was for me to be in Lusaka to celebrate his freedom. I told him of the high esteem in which he was held in Ireland, as an embodiment of the movement to abolish the odious apartheid system. I also expressed my admiration for the courage and generosity he had displayed in his dealings with the South African Government. I expressed the hope that the Government of South Africa would create the conditions for a national dialogue leading to the dismantlement of the apartheid system and the creation of a new democratic and non-racial South Africa. I outlined to Mr. Mandela Irish and EC policy on South Africa.
Mr. Mandela said that my presence in Lusaka was a clear signal of continued support for his people's struggle. The European attitude of continued support for the efforts of the ANC were, he said, deeply appreciated and the support and interest of the Irish people was particularly helpful.
I reminded Mr. Mandela of the Taoiseach's invitation to him to visit Ireland. He replied that he was looking forward to making this visit as soon as he could.