Foreign Minister Westerwelle responds to news that Nelson Mandela has died

BERLIN, Germany, December 6, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement to express his condolences after hearing the news of Nelson Mandela's death:

“South Africa and the world have lost a great human being and an outstanding statesman.

Nelson Mandela's political visions of peace and freedom, of the indomitable power of reconciliation and compassion, were and remain a source of hope and inspiration to people in Africa and throughout the world.

His name will always be associated with the peaceful transition from the iniquitous apartheid regime to democracy and the rule of law. And not only that – Nelson Mandela symbolises the fight against inequality and racism, the struggle to conquer hatred and, in short, to bring about a better world.

We have an obligation to uphold his legacy.”