been scrapped, the bulk of the so-called pillars of apartheid - the Group Areas Act, the Land Act, the Population Registration Act - have not yet been removed. At the same time, as the report of the Secretary-General points out, the process of change is encountering difficulties and challenges at various levels: the acute social and economic problems affecting the black population, the politically related violence and, in more general terms, the fact that fundamental change in any society often creates uncertainty, anxiety and fear. These adverse factors are to be reckoned with. But, as the Secretary-General stresses in his report, "the challenge of nation-building ... has already begun to stir the people of South Africa in ways that hold the promise of profound and beneficial change". (Ibid., annex I, para. 255) The Twelve have noted with keen satisfaction that further progress has been achieved since the report of the Secretary-General was written. We welcome the outcome of the important meeting between the South African Government and the African National Congress (ANC) on б August. In particular, we attach special importance to the suspension of the armed struggle, proclaimed by the ANC; that BCT/at A/44/PV.97 52 (Mr. TraKler. Italy) was, in our opinion, a necessary prelude to the start of negotiations on a new Constitution, as well as to the decisions on the release of political prisoners and to the amnesty of the exiles. As a result, the parties have stated that the way is now open to proceed towards negotiations on a new Constitution. We believe that this is a fundamental step forward in the process. The Twelve and the international community as a whole have long worked to create the opportunity for all South Africans to be able to determine the future of their country. Now that 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the progress of post-apartheid South Africa, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the nation-building process. It mentions the suspension of the armed struggle, the release of political prisoners, and the amnesty of exiles, indicating a focus on political and social changes. The text also mentions the importance of negotiations on a new Constitution, suggesting a focus on governance and political development.

**Category**
Politics, Humanitarian aid and relief