GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

S	1 

SENATE RESOLUTION 1609*

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Sponsors: Senator Ballance.
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Referred to:  Rules and Operation of the Senate.
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June 26, 1990

A SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM IN SOUTH AFRICA AND TO WELCOME NELSON MANDELA, A LIVING SYMBOL OF FREEDOM, ON HIS VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES.
Whereas, thousands of men, women, and children have died fighting for freedom in South Africa; and
Whereas, thousands of political prisoners remain imprisoned in South Africa and thousands of other South Africans remain exiled; and
Whereas, although some reforms against apartheid have been made in South Africa under President Frederik W. de Klerk, most forms of apartheid such as racial classifications, racially segregated residential areas, impoverished rural homelands, inferior education systems, poor medical facilities, police raids, and forced relocations still exist; and
Whereas, Nelson Mandela, Deputy President of South Africa's most visible anti-apartheid organization, the African National Congress (ANC), has emerged as a symbol for freedom and inspiration not only to black South Africans, but also to all people worldwide; and
Whereas, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after serving more than 27 years for sabotage and conspiracy against the state and has not exhibited any bitterness towards those who imprisoned him; and
Whereas, Nelson Mandela will visit 13 countries in Europe, North America, and Africa seeking greater sanctions and worldwide support against the South African government, hoping to establish a "new free, nonracial unitary, and democratic South African nation", and obtaining monetary support to aid this cause; and
Whereas, scheduling would not permit Nelson Mandela to visit North Carolina, however the Senate wishes to extend him a warm welcome on his visit to the United States; and
Whereas, Nelson Mandela's tour of the United States will include addressing the joint Houses of Congress and the United Nations General Assembly as well as visiting Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and other cities;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate:
Section 1.  The Senate wishes to honor the lives and memory of the men and women who died for freedom in South Africa.
Sec. 2.  The Senate wishes to extend a warm welcome to Nelson Mandela on his visit to the United States and recognizes  him for his dedication to abolishing apartheid and improving the lives of his fellow South Africans.  The Senate further urges all North Carolinians to uphold their beliefs in the American principles of freedom, democracy, and civil rights by opposing apartheid.
Sec. 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to Nelson Mandela and to President Frederik W. de Klerk.
Sec. 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.