Following urging from US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who described the situation as “embarrassing”, the US has finally removed Nelson Mandela and the ANC from its “terror blacklist”.
As reported at (South African) News24.com, Democratic House foreign affairs chairperson Howard Berman said:
“This long-overdue bill is the direct result of a stunning and, frankly, embarrassing story for the United States.
“Despite recognising two decades ago that America’s place was on the side of those oppressed by apartheid, Congress has never resolved the inconsistency in our immigration code that treats many of those who actively opposed apartheid in South Africa as terrorists and criminals.”
The vote passed unanimously. Phew!
In related news, London will be hosting Madiba shortly as he heads to the UK for his 90th birthday bash, a free concert in Hyde Park!
