Nelson Mandela's special message to INTERPOL 75th General Assembly
Channel: INTERPOL
Date: 2013-12-05

INTERPOL mourns Nelson Mandela

LYON, France -- INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble has expressed his 'profound sympathy' to the people of South Africa on behalf of the international law enforcement community after the country's authorities announced that Nelson Mandela had passed away.

Regarded by many as the father of his nation for leading the struggle against apartheid, Nelson Mandela served as South Africa's first black president from 1994 to 1999.

"On behalf of the world police community, INTERPOL expresses its deepest condolences and solidarity with Mr Mandela's family and the people of South Africa at this extremely sad time," said Mr Noble.

"Nelson Mandela's universal ideals of reconciliation and justice cut across cultural, racial and religious differences to inspire all generations to work to achieve a better and safer world for all, not just in South Africa but across Africa and far beyond its shores."

The Head of INTERPOL said the Organization had been very proud to have received a special message from Nelson Mandela at INTERPOL's 75th General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro, in September 2006.  In that message, Mr. Mandela encouraged countries around the world to support INTERPOL's efforts at making the world a safer place.

Secretary General Noble said Mr Mandela's words would enduringly inspire the men and women who serve INTERPOL's 190 member countries:

"There is no finer gift we can give of ourselves, no greater calling we can answer, than to make the world as safe a place for our children and for future generations." Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013