Mandela calls for UN support to rebuild South Africa.

• Position: Pres. Nelson Mandela

South African President Nelson Mandela has told the General Assembly that the new, democratic, non-racial South Africa would need the UN's continued support "to achieve the goal of the betterment of the conditions of life" of his people.

In a 3 October speech, Mr. Mandela said the was pleased and inspired that both the UN Secretary-General and the specialized agencies had taken up the development challenge in his country "with the enthusiasm that they have shown".

In resolution 48/258, the Assembly had strongly appealed to Member States and the international community to provide generous assistance to South Africa in the implementation of its reconstruction and development programmes. The Secretary-General was asked to consider appointing a high-level coordinator for UN development activities in South Africa.

By that text--adopted on 23 June, the day South Africa resumed its seat in the Assembly after a 20-year suspension--the Assembly had expressed satisfaction at the successful holding of elections in April 1994 in South Africa, the establishment of the Government of National Unity, and the coming into effect of a non-racial and democratic constitution for the transitional period. The Assembly congratulated all South Africans and their political leaders on their success in bringing apartheid to an end and in laying, through broad-based negotiations, the foundations for a new, non-racial and democratic South Africa, with equal and guaranteed rights for each and all.

The Assembly had also welcomed South Africa back to the community of nations as represented in the Assembly, and had called upon the specialized agencies and related organizations to take actions to re-establish South Africa's full membership.

Call to invest and open markets

Mr. Mandela began his state visit to the United States on 4 October. At a press...