OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President’s statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela

KYIV, 6 December 2013 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ranko Krivokapic issued the following statement today on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the citizens of South Africa. Nelson Mandela is one of history's greatest democratic icons. His legacy will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for generations of pro-democracy leaders, lawmakers, activists, and people around the world who strive for freedom and equality.

As someone who has witnessed the horrors unleashed by interethnic intolerance in the Balkans, I have long been inspired on a personal level by Nelson Mandela's quest for a more righteous world. Let us all – in the OSCE area and beyond – continue to emulate his courage and vision."

This is a press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. The views expressed in this press release do not necessarily reflect those of the OSCE Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE participating States.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning, Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international cooperation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.