Mandela Criticizes Arrogance of United States

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 18, 2002

Mandela Criticizes Arrogance of United States

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Former South African president Nelson Mandela on Tuesday criticized the arrogance of United States, reprimanding heads of state who did not take on theUnited States and the United Kingdom for their unilateral action regarding Iraq.

In a wide-ranging address at the African National Congress' 51st conference in Stellenbosch, Mandela said "recently we have again seen too much of the rise of unilateralism in world affairs... The United States, with the United Kingdom in tow, has tended to dangerously disregard the principles of multi-lateral world governance," the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported.

It seemed as if the US was intent on taking military action against Iraq. He sincerely hoped that would not happen, Mandela said.

"We can't allow a superpower to act outside the United Nations."

Mandela said he had raised his concerns in this regard, as had President Thabo Mbeki in an address to the UN.

"I am disappointed with the heads of state who just keep quiet when the US wants to sideline the UN."

South Africa was a close friend of the US, both free and democratic countries of the world. He had strong personal bonds with US President George W. Bush.

"I've found him to be objective, open-minded and honest."

Mbeki shared that opinion, Mandela said.

Bush had given him many awards, and he had been invited to visit former president George Bush, the incumbent's father, in Texas.

"(Despite) the fact that he has given me awards, I'm sure the US does not want me to suppress my view. I'll continue to expressit."

Mandela said he had spoken to British Prime Minister Tony Blairand asked him why he was undermining an organization founded by such a famous predecessor of his, Winston Churchill.

"I want to urgently appeal to the US and its leadership to demonstrate strength by respecting in international affairs those democratic principles they hold dear."

On other issues, the former president said people outside Namibia should not complain about Namibian President Sam Nujoma's third term in office, as long as he has been elected by his people.

"If he has been elected by his comrades in a free and fair election, we as foreigners have no right to complain," he said.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Mandela Shocked by Attacks Against U.S. Targets

Mandela Kicks off Side-event of Earth Summit

Mandela Shows Support for Government in AIDS Drug Research

Chinese Economy to Enjoy Bright Future ( 17 Messages)

China Hopes for Constructive US Role in Reunification: Jiang ( 26 Messages)

China Air Force Equipped with J-10 Fighter-bomber ( 3 Messages)

Chinese Scientists Finish First Detailed Map of Rice Genome ( 2 Messages)

Nanjing Marks 65th Anniversary of Japanese Massacre ( 28 Messages)