UN Declares July 18th Mandela Day
The
United Nations General Assembly has declared July eighteenth as Mandela Day, to
mark the contribution of Nelson Mandela to world freedom.
The resolution was introduced by South African Ambassador Baso Sangqu. He
described the former South African president as an icon and a symbol of hope
whose life had mirrored United Nations' ideals.
Libyan diplomat, Dr Ali Abdussalam Treki, the current General Assembly president
said the move showed the body's attachment to freedom.
In South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said it was pleased about the
UN's declaration.
July eighteen was chosen because it is Nelson Mandela's birthday. He turned
ninety one earlier this year.
BBC/Yinka
