Hats off to Mandela. The man has integrity and the right sense to prevail.
"What I am condemning is that one power, with a president who has no foresight and cannot think properly, is now wanting to plunge the world into a holocaust.”
Mandela, Carter, lawmakers: ‘Let UN inspectors work’](Mandela, Carter, lawmakers: ‘Let UN inspectors work’ : Indybay) Sanfrancisco Ind Media Centre
by Tim Wheeler Friday February 07, 2003
Former presidents Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Jimmy Carter of the United States added their voices to the millions demanding that George W. Bush halt his drive toward war against Iraq and give the UN inspectors time to complete their work.Former presidents Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Jimmy Carter of the United States added their voices to the millions demanding that George W. Bush halt his drive toward war against Iraq and give the UN inspectors time to complete their work.
The two Nobel Peace Prize winners spoke out against war on the eve of Sec. of State Colin Powell’s appearance before the UN Security Council seeking authorization to invade the oil-rich nation. Powell failed in his 90-minute speech to sway the Security Council. A clear majority backed inspections and a peaceful resolution (see page 12 editorial).
**Mandela told the International Women’s Forum in Johannesburg, Jan. 30., “What I am condemning is that one power, with a president who has no foresight and cannot think properly, is now wanting to plunge the world into a holocaust.” Carter said, “Despite marshalling powerful armed forces in the Persian Gulf region and a virtual declaration of war in the State of the Union message our government has not made a case for a preemptive military strike against Iraq.” **
Instead of war, Carter said, “the most obvious answer is a sustained and enlarged inspection team, deployed as a permanent entity. … The cost of an on-site (UN) inspection team would be miniscule compared to war, Saddam would have no choice except to comply, the results would be certain, military and civilian casualties would be avoided, and the United States would regain its leadership in combating the real threat of international terrorism.” …
Mandela ready to go to Iraq](http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Iraque/0,6119,2-10-1460_1321180,00.html) News 24 South Africa
Willem Jordaan and Adrian Lackay 16 Feb 03
Cape Town - Former president Nelson Mandela is willing to go to Iraq to protest against a possible war. This comes amidst preparations for a South African mission to Iraq to share local expertise in disarmament with the Iraqi government. Mandela reportedly said he would definitely go to Iraq, but would first have to consult with his advisers and the United Nations (UN).
Mandela said military action against Iraq was only justifiable if the UN gave its approval. In a sharp attack on President George W Bush of America, Mandela apparently said: “Who the hell is Bush to act unilaterally? I think Bush is a leader without vision.”
Several groups protesting the war, including volunteers who want to act as human shields against attacks on civilian targets, approached Mandela last week to join them in Bagdad. Zelda la Grange, Mandela’s spokesperson, could not be reached for comment on Sunday.