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By Callum Paton.
Tripoli, 10 December 2013:
Politicians and members of the diplomatic community gathered today at a memorial ceremony held by the . . .[restrict]South African Embassy to pay tribute to the late Nelson Mandela.
Some 80 guests were present at the Mahari Radisson Blu Hotel for the hour-long service in memory of the former South African president. Tributes were offered by the South African Ambassador to Libya, Mohammed Dangor, and Razak Grady, Deputry Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Palestinian Ambassador to Libya and representatives from the Arab League and the African and European unions also spoke.
Ambassador Dangor told the Libya Herald that it had been “overwhelming the outpouring of messages of condolences we have received. It is important that we are here to celebrate his achievements and his life”. He explained that Mandela’s example could be of great benefit to Libyans, saying: “Libya can learn from Mandela’s example of reconciliation and forgiveness. In South Africa, we speak 11 languages, we practice all religions and we have many tribes, but we have an identity which is achieved by common values and common aims.”
Razak Grady, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, said: “I think the loss of Mandela is a loss not just for South Africa but for the whole world. He left us with so many lessons to learn. He is a true example of human tolerance.” [/restrict]
