Coble notes passing of Nelson Mandela

Statement

U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) issued the following statement upon the news of the passing of South African leader Nelson Mandela:

"I join with the rest of the world in mourning the passing of Nelson Mandela, an icon of civil rights. Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, Nelson Mandela never expressed any bitterness or resentment and later became President of a new, free South Africa.

"Thanks to a citizen of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela. William Swing, of Lexington, North Carolina, was the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa from 1989-92. During his tenure, I was fortunate to visit South Africa and stay in the ambassador's residence. Thanks to Bill Swing, I accompanied the Ambassador to a private dinner where Nelson Mandela was the guest of honor.

"To have the opportunity to spend an evening with this world figure and to listen to him speak is one of the highlights of my life. On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, I express my condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela and the people of South Africa on the loss of a true historic legend."

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