Washington, D.C. – Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the senior Democratic Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

“Nelson Mandela was one of the great leaders of our time and his passing is a tremendous loss for the people of South Africa and the entire international community. His unrelenting campaign of non-violent resistance was instrumental in overcoming the brutal and morally repugnant system of apartheid. He inspired generations around the world with his resilience, which allowed him to survive twenty years of unjust imprisonment; his integrity, which helped ensure a peaceful transition to democracy, and led to his election as South Africa’s first post-apartheid president; and his perseverance, which helped set South Africa on a path toward greater racial equality. While it is hard to believe that he is no longer with us, Mr. Mandela will continue to live through his powerful legacy. Ages from now, people will remember Nelson Mandela’s name and what he did for his country.”

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