Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Nelson Mandela of South Africa

The President and Nelson Mandela, President of the African National Congress, met for approximately 30 minutes in the Oval Office. They had a very good meeting, during which they discussed recent developments in South Africa. The President said that the announcement that the Convention for a Democratic South Africa would begin on December 20 is very promising news. He noted that South Africa's political parties appear to be finding common ground and share many principles and objectives. The President also emphasized that the South African economy will be a key factor in a successful transition to democracy and that a growing economy that can attract investment will be crucial in the months ahead.