13th December 2002

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Ferris to attend ANC National Conference

Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris and Editor of An Phoblacht and Ard Chomhairle member Martin Spain will attend the 51st ANC National Conference, which is taking place at the University of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape of South Africa, next week. Speaking prior to his departure, Deputy Ferris paid tribute to the ANC and to the South African government for their work in support of the Irish Peace Process. He said:

``In addition to attending the conference as international guests, we will be meeting with representatives of the ANC and the South African Government to update them on the crisis in the process here and on Sinn Fein's proposals to resolve that crisis.

``The success of the South African process has served as an example for liberation movements across the world. The South Africans proved that a negotiated settlement can be achieved even in circumstances that at times appear insurmountable.

``The ANC have over the years given generously of their time to share their experiences and offer valuable advice, which was of immense help to us in our negotiations around the Good Friday Agreement and since.

``It is a great honour for us to be invited and we will take the opportunity to extend warmest solidarity greetings from Irish republicans to our South African comrades.''

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