The mailing reports that, with the welcome release of jailed ANC leader, Nelson Mandela, and the announced changes in some aspects of the apartheid system, many in the Administration and the Congress have begun promoting the idea that the existing U.S. sanctions against South Africa should be modified. The mailing says the reforms announced by President de Klerk fall far short of the specific steps outlined in the Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 for the repeal or modification of sanctions. While the ANC and other democratic political organizations have been unbanned, the Anti-Apartheid Act stipulates that these parties must be free to express their political opinions and participate in the political...
The mailing reports that, with the welcome release of jailed ANC leader, Nelson Mandela, and the announced changes in some aspects of the apartheid system, many in the Administration and the Congress have begun promoting the idea that the existing U.S. sanctions against South Africa should be modified. The mailing says the reforms announced by President de Klerk fall far short of the specific steps outlined in the Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 for the repeal or modification of sanctions. While the ANC and other democratic political organizations have been unbanned, the Anti-Apartheid Act stipulates that these parties must be free to express their political opinions and participate in the political process and, as long as apartheid provisions such as the Internal Security Act and the Terrorism Act are in force, being unbanned does not guarantee political parties the ability to freely express political opinions. Furthermore, democratic and non-racial anti-apartheid organizations cannot participate in the political process as long as their members cannot vote. The mailing says the Anti-Apartheid Act requires the release of all persons persecuted for their political beliefs or detained unduly without trial. The International Defense and Aid Fund (IDAF) in London has documented more than 750 political prisoners. The mailing asks people to call or write to their Senators, member of Congress and the President to demand that they maintain the current sanctions. Members of Congress are urged: (1) to support H. Con. Res. 270 introduced by Congressman John Conyers, which calls for U.S. sanctions against South Africa to remain in place until the provisions for termination are met and apartheid has ended, and (2) to co-sponsor and support H.R. 21/S. 507, the Dellums-Simon Comprehensive Sanctions bill, and H.R. 3456, the Fauntroy Financial Sanctions bill.
