Dec 6, 2013, 9:33 AM

World leaders pay tribute to Mandela

TEHRAN, Dec. 6 (MNA) – World leaders have paid glowing tribute to South Africa's antiapartheid feature Nelson Mandela, who passed away at the age of 95 in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif paid tribute on his twitter page.

“We in Iran join the people of South Africa in mourning the death of Nelson Mandela who inspired humanity with his courage and compassion,” Zarid said.

US President Barak Obama expressed his sadness over the death of Mandela, calling him one of the most "influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth.

Former US President Bill Clinton mourned Mandela’s death, describing him as a "champion for human dignity and freedom."

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff called Mandela an example for those fighting for justice and peace. "The example of this great leader will guide all those who fight for social justice and peace in the world."

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius also paid his respects to Mandela, calling him a "a charismatic giant.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron said, "A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death -- a true global hero."

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott hailed Mandela as "a truly great man," saying, "Nelson Mandela was one of the great figures of Africa, arguably one of the great figures of the last century.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "Nelson Mandela's shining example and his political legacy of non-violence and the condemnation of all forms of racism will continue to inspire people around the world for many years to come.”

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said, "Humanity has lost a tireless champion of peace, liberty and equality."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu paid tribute to Mandela, calling him "an example of integrity, of reconciliation, of leadership in the service of the people."

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, "Only because of such a great man like Nelson Mandela is it possible that particular people in Africa and elsewhere are able to enjoy freedom and human dignity.

American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson said Mandela has left an "everlasting imprint."

Mandela, who led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s after nearly three decades in prison, was one of the towering political figures of the 20th century.


Source: Press TV
MNA
END

News ID 100984

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