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Nelson Mandela's death: world leaders mourn inspirational figure | Nelson Mandela's death: world leaders mourn inspirational figure |
(about 2 hours later) | |
America's first black president paid tribute to Nelson Mandela in a sombre statement delivered from the White House, in which Barack Obama described the personal inspiration he had drawn from the man he called Madiba. | America's first black president paid tribute to Nelson Mandela in a sombre statement delivered from the White House, in which Barack Obama described the personal inspiration he had drawn from the man he called Madiba. |
"I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life," said a visibly moved Obama. | "I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life," said a visibly moved Obama. |
"And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him." | "And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him." |
The US president, who met Mandela once as a senator and was prevented from visiting him during a trip to South Africa in June by the latter's illness, has been reluctant to overemphasise the comparisons, but revealed how much his own political career had been influenced by the anti-apartheid struggle. | The US president, who met Mandela once as a senator and was prevented from visiting him during a trip to South Africa in June by the latter's illness, has been reluctant to overemphasise the comparisons, but revealed how much his own political career had been influenced by the anti-apartheid struggle. |
"My very first political action, the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics, was a protest against apartheid," said Obama. "I studied his words and his writings. The day that he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they're guided by their hopes and not by their fears." | "My very first political action, the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics, was a protest against apartheid," said Obama. "I studied his words and his writings. The day that he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they're guided by their hopes and not by their fears." |
Obama did not say when his first protest took place, but he is known to have become involved in anti-apartheid politics at Occidental College in Los Angeles, between 1979 and 1981. | Obama did not say when his first protest took place, but he is known to have become involved in anti-apartheid politics at Occidental College in Los Angeles, between 1979 and 1981. |
In London, David Cameron said Mandela was a towering figure: "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. Across the country he loved they will be mourning a man who was the embodiment of grace. Meeting him was one of the great honours of my life." | In London, David Cameron said Mandela was a towering figure: "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. Across the country he loved they will be mourning a man who was the embodiment of grace. Meeting him was one of the great honours of my life." |
Former US president George W Bush said: "President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time. He bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example. This good man will be missed, but his contributions will live on for ever." | Former US president George W Bush said: "President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time. He bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example. This good man will be missed, but his contributions will live on for ever." |
Former US president Bill Clinton said: "Today the world has lost one of its most important leaders and one of its finest human beings. History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation. | Former US president Bill Clinton said: "Today the world has lost one of its most important leaders and one of its finest human beings. History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion for human dignity and freedom, for peace and reconciliation. |
"We will remember him as a man of uncommon grace and compassion, for whom abandoning bitterness and embracing adversaries was not just a political strategy but a way of life. All of us are living in a better world because of the life that Madiba lived. He proved that there is freedom in forgiving, that a big heart is better than a closed mind, and that life's real victories must be shared." | "We will remember him as a man of uncommon grace and compassion, for whom abandoning bitterness and embracing adversaries was not just a political strategy but a way of life. All of us are living in a better world because of the life that Madiba lived. He proved that there is freedom in forgiving, that a big heart is better than a closed mind, and that life's real victories must be shared." |
In New York, Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations secretary-general, said he wanted to express his deep admiration and respect for Mandela and the people of South Africa. "Africa has suffered from colonial rule and abuse of human rights and human dignity and it's only because of such a great man like Mandela that it is possible for people to live in human dignity. We have to learn from his determination and wisdom to make the world a better world." | In New York, Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations secretary-general, said he wanted to express his deep admiration and respect for Mandela and the people of South Africa. "Africa has suffered from colonial rule and abuse of human rights and human dignity and it's only because of such a great man like Mandela that it is possible for people to live in human dignity. We have to learn from his determination and wisdom to make the world a better world." |
In Dublin, Enda Kenny, the taoiseach, described the death as "a great light extinguished". "The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe," Kenny said. | In Dublin, Enda Kenny, the taoiseach, described the death as "a great light extinguished". "The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe," Kenny said. |
The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "South Africa has lost its greatest citizen and its father. Nelson Mandela, fighting to the end, is freed to be with his God in joy and reward for his great service and sacrifice. We are challenged to show the same degree of humanity, of courage and of generosity." | The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "South Africa has lost its greatest citizen and its father. Nelson Mandela, fighting to the end, is freed to be with his God in joy and reward for his great service and sacrifice. We are challenged to show the same degree of humanity, of courage and of generosity." |
Former prime minister Gordon Brown said: "Nelson Mandela was the greatest leader of our generation. A leader of magnanimity, fortitude, unshakeable optimism and, most of all, the most courageous man I ever met. | Former prime minister Gordon Brown said: "Nelson Mandela was the greatest leader of our generation. A leader of magnanimity, fortitude, unshakeable optimism and, most of all, the most courageous man I ever met. |
"True courage requires not only strength of will but strength of belief. What motivated Nelson Mandela and drove him to risk his life for freedom was a burning passion that, irrespective of colour, race and background, all people are created equal – and his list of historic achievements starts with a multiracial South Africa. | "True courage requires not only strength of will but strength of belief. What motivated Nelson Mandela and drove him to risk his life for freedom was a burning passion that, irrespective of colour, race and background, all people are created equal – and his list of historic achievements starts with a multiracial South Africa. |
"Every accolade in the world was awarded to him, but the one he prized most was Children's Champion. As he said in his book, he had climbed one mountain, but there is another still to climb – dignity for every child. He was the greatest of Africans. He had greatness as vast as the continent he loved. He had within him the greatness of the human soul." | "Every accolade in the world was awarded to him, but the one he prized most was Children's Champion. As he said in his book, he had climbed one mountain, but there is another still to climb – dignity for every child. He was the greatest of Africans. He had greatness as vast as the continent he loved. He had within him the greatness of the human soul." |
Labour leader Ed Miliband said that the world had lost the inspirational figure of our age. "Nelson Mandela taught people across the globe the true meaning of courage, strength, hope and reconciliation. From campaigner to prisoner to president to global hero, Nelson Mandela will always be remembered for his dignity, integrity and his values of equality and justice. | Labour leader Ed Miliband said that the world had lost the inspirational figure of our age. "Nelson Mandela taught people across the globe the true meaning of courage, strength, hope and reconciliation. From campaigner to prisoner to president to global hero, Nelson Mandela will always be remembered for his dignity, integrity and his values of equality and justice. |
"He was an activist who became president and a president who always remained an activist. Right to the end of his life he reminded the richest nations of the world of their responsibilities to the poorest. Above all, he showed us the power of people, in the cause of justice, to overcome the mightiest obstacles." | "He was an activist who became president and a president who always remained an activist. Right to the end of his life he reminded the richest nations of the world of their responsibilities to the poorest. Above all, he showed us the power of people, in the cause of justice, to overcome the mightiest obstacles." |
The former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said: "Throughout history, a few special people have been able to transcend differences and change the world for the better. Nelson Mandela was one of those people who had a vision for human rights and equality. | The former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said: "Throughout history, a few special people have been able to transcend differences and change the world for the better. Nelson Mandela was one of those people who had a vision for human rights and equality. |
"Those beliefs made him the father of multi-ethnic democracy in South Africa. All freedom-loving people will miss him, but we will never forget his sacrifice and his achievements." | "Those beliefs made him the father of multi-ethnic democracy in South Africa. All freedom-loving people will miss him, but we will never forget his sacrifice and his achievements." |
Reverend Al Sharpton, the US civil rights leader who acted as an official observer in the first free elections in South Africa, said Mandela was a "universal symbol of tolerance and hope" and a figure who "resonated with Americans of all colours". | Reverend Al Sharpton, the US civil rights leader who acted as an official observer in the first free elections in South Africa, said Mandela was a "universal symbol of tolerance and hope" and a figure who "resonated with Americans of all colours". |
"He eternalised the greatness of the struggle for human beings to be free," said Sharpton. "He was not only able to break the shackles of bigotry and bias and hate, but he did it without internalising the battles he was fighting." | "He eternalised the greatness of the struggle for human beings to be free," said Sharpton. "He was not only able to break the shackles of bigotry and bias and hate, but he did it without internalising the battles he was fighting." |
Sharpton said many US civil rights leaders were involved in the anti-apartheid movement and regarded Mandela as an inspirational figure. | Sharpton said many US civil rights leaders were involved in the anti-apartheid movement and regarded Mandela as an inspirational figure. |
"Even though we have been watching for over a year, it still comes a great loss," he added on MSNBC. | "Even though we have been watching for over a year, it still comes a great loss," he added on MSNBC. |
"Not only was he the first black president of South Africa, he led the democratic liberation struggle. Just being around him, you had a sense you were in the presence of greatness; a gravity and humility that was unmatched. The world has lost someone who literally changed history." | "Not only was he the first black president of South Africa, he led the democratic liberation struggle. Just being around him, you had a sense you were in the presence of greatness; a gravity and humility that was unmatched. The world has lost someone who literally changed history." |
France's president, François Hollande, said: "Nelson Mandela made history, that of South Africa and that of the whole world. A tireless fighter against apartheid, he defeated it with his courage, his obstinacy and his perseverance. | France's president, François Hollande, said: "Nelson Mandela made history, that of South Africa and that of the whole world. A tireless fighter against apartheid, he defeated it with his courage, his obstinacy and his perseverance. |
"Throughout all these years, Nelson Mandela has incarnated the South African nation, the cement of its unity and the pride of Africa. He mobilised all his strength to put his country in its rightful place among the main world powers … right to the end of his life he served peace. Nelson Mandela's message will not disappear. | "Throughout all these years, Nelson Mandela has incarnated the South African nation, the cement of its unity and the pride of Africa. He mobilised all his strength to put his country in its rightful place among the main world powers … right to the end of his life he served peace. Nelson Mandela's message will not disappear. |
"He will continue to inspire those who fight for freedom and give confidence to people who defend just causes and universal rights. He showed that human will could not only break chains of subjugation, but free the energy to succeed in building a common destiny. France shares the infinite sadness of the South African people." | "He will continue to inspire those who fight for freedom and give confidence to people who defend just causes and universal rights. He showed that human will could not only break chains of subjugation, but free the energy to succeed in building a common destiny. France shares the infinite sadness of the South African people." |
Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister, referenced his country's own independence leader Gandhi. "A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India's loss as South Africa's. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul." Gandhi spent formative years as a political activist in South Africa and Mandela knew Gandhi's son Manilal, historians pointed out. | Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister, referenced his country's own independence leader Gandhi. "A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India's loss as South Africa's. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul." Gandhi spent formative years as a political activist in South Africa and Mandela knew Gandhi's son Manilal, historians pointed out. |
Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, described Mandela as a "great leader" who "fought with a strong will to eliminate apartheid and achieved a great deal by putting national reconciliation at the centre of his nation-building". The foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, said: "I wish to express my heartfelt respect for the achievements of the former South African president and hope that the government and people of South Africa will overcome their grief and go on to further develop their country." | Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, described Mandela as a "great leader" who "fought with a strong will to eliminate apartheid and achieved a great deal by putting national reconciliation at the centre of his nation-building". The foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, said: "I wish to express my heartfelt respect for the achievements of the former South African president and hope that the government and people of South Africa will overcome their grief and go on to further develop their country." |
Shimon Peres, president of Israel, said: "He was a passionate advocate for democracy, a respected mediator, a Nobel peace prize laureate and above all a builder of bridges of peace and dialogue who paid a heavy personal price for his struggle in the years he spent in prison and fighting for his people." | |
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