Dalai Lama condoles demise of South Africa’s former President FW de Klerk
DHARAMSALA, 12 Nov: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Mrs Elita de Klerk to offer his condolences on the demise of her husband, the former President of South Africa, FW de Klerk.
“He was a man of principle, who worked relentlessly for the rights of every individual in order to achieve peace and harmony in society, whether in South Africa or elsewhere. I also appreciate that he oversaw the dismantling of South Africa’s nuclear weapons program,” the Dalai Lama wrote in the missive offering his deep condolences.
The Tibetan spiritual leader has said on their numerous encounters that “Over the years, we had the opportunity to meet at various forums in our collective efforts, as Nobel Peace Laureates, to promote better understanding among nations and peoples with the intention of building a safer, more peaceful world.”
“Although he is no more, we can take comfort from the fact that your husband lived a meaningful life,” the Dalai Lama concluded.
FW de Klerk, the former president of South Africa and the last white person to lead the country has died on Thursday aged 85, battling cancer, his foundation announced.
He shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela for helping to negotiate an end to apartheid. But his legacy divides opinion in South Africa.
