Ex-South African leader advocates reconciliation

Former South African president Frederik Willem de Klerk said yesterday that only dialogue can bring about a solution to the deep-rooted differences within Taiwan.

He said the solution of conflict was to face reality, that finger-pointing was no use and that people should look at their own faults and deficiencies.

De Klerk expressed the hope that Taiwan would find a window of opportunity to establish common visions and value systems. Even if it begins as a shouting match, it would be a good start, he said.

De Klerk, invited to Taiwan by former Democratic Progressive Party chairman Shih Ming-teh (施明德), made the remarks at a seminar titled "Reconciliation: Experience of South Africa and Prospects for Taiwan" held at the international conference hall of the National Taiwan University Hospital.

The Nobel laureate spoke of South Africa's colonial past, its apartheid period and his decision to free Nelson Mandela after assuming the presidency in 1989 and promote racial reconciliation.

In February 1990, de Klerk lifted the ban on the African National Congress and all other political organizations and announced Mandela's release, bringing apartheid to an end and opening the way to draft a new South African Constitution based on the principle of one person, one vote and the entrenchment of basic human rights.

Shih spoke about Taiwan's colonial past and its transformation to the present day independent sovereign state.

Noting political differences and ethnic rivalry exist in present day Taiwan, he asked why de Klerk was not worried about losing his power, supporters and even his life during his presidency, instead choosing to free Mandela and promote reconciliation.

De Klerk said South Africa was isolated diplomatically at that time because of apartheid and he understood that if the nation continued down that road, it would only extend the mistake.

Only can help resolve disputes, but forgiveness is only the beginning of a long winding road, he said.

Shih that he was imprisoned for a quarter of century for his political beliefs but chose to forgive and advocated reconciliation during his tenure as DPP chairman.