LOC09:39
06:39 GMT
(With photo)
NEW YORK, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- The Elders Foundation said it was deeply saddened
by the death of its founder, Nelson Mandela, as members said they join
millions of people around the world who were inspired by his courage and
touched by his compassion. "All will mourn his passing."
Mandela - or Madiba as he is known in South Africa - called the Elders
together in 2007, urging them to be bold, independent and to speak the truth.
He told them to be a robust force for good, and to work in the interests of
peace for all humanity.
Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General, Chair of The Elders,
said "the world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice,
and a clear moral compass. By showing us that the path to freedom and human
dignity lies in love, wisdom and compassion for one another, Nelson Mandela
stands as an inspiration to us all."
On his part, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Chair of The Elders, said "God
was so good to us in South Africa by giving us Nelson Mandela to be our
President at a crucial moment in our history. He inspired us to walk the path
of forgiveness and reconciliation and so South Africa did not go up in flames."
Meanwhile, Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland, said " The most
impressive man of my generation has passed away. No one has influenced my life
more than President Nelson Mandela. Anyone supporting the just struggle for
democratic change in Southern Africa cannot have been untouched by President
Mandela's life.
Lakhdar Brahimi, former Foreign Minister of Algeria, said that men and
women everywhere feel they have lost someone very close to them, a man they
loved deeply and respected and admired profoundly.
"It was such a privilege to have known him, to have listened to him a
number of times, to have participated, however modestly, in his gigantic
achievement: the end of apartheid and the restoration of lasting peace and
reconciliation in South Africa."
Former Us President Jimmy Carter on the other hand said "I was gratified to
be able to work with him through The Elders to encourage resolution of
conflicts and advance social justice and human rights in many nations. We
extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time."
Mandela founded the non-profit 'The Elders' in Johannesburg on his 89th
birthday, July 18, 2007, after the idea was brought to him by the entrepreneur
Richard Branson and the musician Peter Gabriel. The Elders include independent
and progressive leaders committed to peace, justice and human rights - to work
together on global problems including peace-building and reconciliation in
war-affected regions, sustainable development and equality for girls and women.
The Elders are, Kofi Annan (Chair), Brundtland (Deputy Chair), Ela Bhatt,
Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem, Martti Ahtisaari, Fernando Henrique Cardoso,
Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani, Gra\a Machel, Mary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo.
Desmond Tutu is the Honorary Elder. (end)
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