Johannesburg | Tuesday
GERRY Adams, president of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army, arrived in Johannesburg on Monday to seek assistance for the Northern Ireland peace process, state radio SABC reported.
“I’m hopeful that as we come to take advice, we listen and we learn the lessons of your experience and from your leadership,” Adams said on arriving at Johannesburg International airport.
He said Sinn Fein was seeking advice in several areas, such as restoring peace in Northern Ireland and policing.
Northern Ireland — particularly north Belfast — has been locked in a spiral of violence over the last few months, with almost daily clashes between unionists and republicans.
Adams suggested South Africa’s example of a peaceful transition to democracy had proved to be helpful in the past.
“At different times in the past when things have been quite delicate and fragile back home, someone here (in South Africa) has had a great idea or someone here has been able to draw upon your experience,” he said.
The Sinn Fein leader said he hoped to meet former president Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg during his visit to update him on the peace process.
He said he would not meet South African businessman Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as joint chairman of the demilitarisation process in Northern Ireland.
“I’m meeting a range of people … (and) in terms of the schedule I may meet with Cyril. I know him very well but I will not be meeting with him in his capacity (as joint chairman) at this point,” he said.
Adams will speak at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg on Wednesday. Adams and Pat Sheehan, a former Long Kesh hunger striker, will address students at the University of Cape Town on Thursday.
Their address forms part of the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the 1980-81 hunger strike in Long Kesh prison, when Bobby Sands and nine of his comrades died. – AFP