Message of support from Mandela

South African President Nelson Mandela yesterday urged the parties involved in the Hillsborough talks to seek agreement

South African President Nelson Mandela yesterday urged the parties involved in the Hillsborough talks to seek agreement. In a formal message of support, President Mandela said that South Africa's experience in overcoming the divisions of centuries showed that even the deepest and most difficult problems could be resolved through negotiation.

"The Good Friday agreement has our full support, because we believe that its final implementation will assure Northern Ireland of the better future it deserves, a future of lasting peace based on democracy and respect for human rights," Mr Mandela said in his formal message..