Mandela thanks Trinidad, Tobago
2004-05-01 08:14
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Port-of-Spain, Trinidad - Former president Nelson Mandela on Friday thanked Trinidad and Tobago for its support in overthrowing apartheid.
Mandela addressed his comments to an audience of 20 000 at the Queen's Park Oval.
"I want to thank Trinidad and Tobago for supporting us to overthrow the system."
South Africa was oppressed for three and a half centuries, he said.
Later, Mandela, nearly 86, attended a luncheon at the Trinidad Hilton with Prime Minister Patrick Manning, cabinet ministers and other dignitaries.
Manning and President Max Richards had met with Mandela earlier.
Manning said Mandela will always be remembered for his "contribution to the world, a symbol of non-violence and sacrifice".
A private jet from London brought Mandela to the Caribbean island nation late on Thursday for a three-day visit, his first to Trinidad.
He is seeking support for South Africas bid to host the FIFA World Cup of soccer in 2010.
Also visiting was Cape Town Achbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. He praised Trinidad and Tobago as a "rainbow country" for supporting the fight against apartheid.
Mandela leaves on Sunday for Grenada.
- SAPA