Iran’s Envoy To UN Praises Mandelaˈs Services To World Community

United Nations, July 20, IRNA – Iran's Permanent Envoy to the UN Gholam-Hossein Dehqani said here Thursday freedom campaign of anti-Apartheid leader, Nelson Mandela affected the lives of not only African nation, but also those of all those who seek justice and elimination of discrimination around the globe. “Mandela dedicated his life to the sacred causes of humanity and justice, as well as prevalence of peace for the entire human beings,” said Dehqani, at a commemoration service held at the UN on the occasion of nominating July 18th as the Mandela Day. Dehqani referred to the special relations between Nelson Mandel and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), saying, “Commemorating Mr. Mandela on this day at the UN shows that great man’s deep influence on the international society.” He added, “He is truly an international personality whose achievements have traveled beyond the borders of his country and the African continent, influencing the lives of the people around the globe.” “Mandela managed to present new standards for the culture of lenience and peace seeking both at national and at the international levels,” he said. Dehqani also referred to the services that Mandela has offered to the UN, saying, “He has always played an important role in progress of the UN objectives and the articles of the UN Charter.” He referred to Mandela’s relentless efforts aimed at peaceful solving of the disputes and crises, saying, “He has always tried to promote unity instead of disputes and discord; proposed holding dialogues in different disputes; paid special care to Palestine issue and the children’s rights, and launched an international campaign against AIDS.” Dehqani said that Mandela is a great model for all those who seek justice in the world and pursue the prevalence of equal economic and social opportunities free from all types of discrimination. Referring to Mandela’s close relations with NAM, he emphasized, “The Non-Aligned Movement is proud that the UN General Assembly has approved of its suggestion at Sharm al-Sheikh Summit for allocation of a day in the year to the international commemoration of Nelson Mandela.” He added, “Nelson Mandela and NAM had very special relations, particularly in the course of the past 15 years, and NAM has always supported his anti-apartheid efforts.” Dehqani ended his address wishing good health for Mandela who has been hospitalized for quite some time now. The UN General Assembly declared July 18 as the International Mandela Day under such conditions that the fabulous hero of anti-racism campaign and South African leader is struggling with death on his 95th birth anniversary at a Durban hospital. The nomination is an international appreciation for Mandela’s 67 years of altruistic services aimed at uprooting racism, establishment of social justice, and inspiring millions of people around the globe to try to establish a better world for all. Among the prominent audience at the commemoration service there were the former US president Bill Clinton and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Across the country on Thursday, South Africans spent 67 minutes on Mandela’s 95th birthday helping others as a tribute to Mr. Mandela’s 67 years in public service. After weeks battling critical illness, Mandela remained in the hospital on Thursday although the authorities said his condition was “steadily improving.” The upbeat assessment contrasted with the widespread concern among South Africans and those around the world that Mandela might not recover from a lung infection that forced him into the hospital on June 8th, for the fourth time in a year. Previously, the authorities had described his condition as critical but stable./end