Sarkozy congratulates ANC on centenary
2012-01-06 20:07
Johannesburg - The history of the African National Congress is a source of universal inspiration, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Friday on the occasion of the party's centenary celebrations.
"When the ANC, initially created to defend the oppressed majority's rights, found itself faced with the injustice and violence of the apartheid regime, it bravely chose dialogue and negotiation," he said in a letter to President Jacob Zuma offering his congratulations.
He said this had earned South Africa as a whole the esteem and respect of the international community.
"The ANC has since evolved from a victorious liberation movement.
"For 18 years now, it has guided the action of a government with which the French authorities are pleased to co-operate closely in support of relations between our two countries," said Sarkozy.
- SAPA
