The African National Congress is aware of the announcement by the Government of Turkey that the Ataturk Award will be presented to ANC President on 19 May.
Nelson Mandela has spent his whole life in the service of democracy, human rights and freedom from oppression.
The ANC wishes to state quite categorically that Mr Mandela has not accepted the Ataturk Award, and has no plans to visit Turkey. The ANC's attitude does not reflect any negative view of Kemal Ataturk, the reformer and founder of modern Turkey.
Issued by The Department of Information and Publicity
PO Box 61884
Marshalltown 2107
12 May, 1992