The Assembly is therefore now meeting in that context at a crucial and appropriate time - crucial because new developments have occurred in the framework of a relatively promising process of dialogue, and, certainly, timely, because it is possible for us to conduct a lucid assessment of the progress achieved in implementing the Assembly's Declaration and considering ways and means of responding to it most adequately. It can easily be seen that since the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Apartheid and its Destructive Consequences in Southern Africa, the situation in South Africa has evolved in ways that arouse hope that at last we may see the establishment of a society of equality and justice. The mobilization of the international community in its struggle against apartheid has thus yielded its first fruit and confirmed the correctness of the method advocated for the eradication of that odious system. So it was that the international community welcomed with joy the release of the great South African patriot Nelson Mandela and his fellow freedom fighters whose courage, self-sacrificing spirit and unshakable convictions triiimphed at last over the hardships of imprisonment and repression. The heroic resistence of the South African people was also recompensed by the legalization of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) and other anti-apartheid organizations. The partial lifting of the state of emergency and the beginning of a process of dialogue between the South African authorities and the representatives of the ANC are also encouraging and promising signs. The international community must, however, not overestimate these first steps taken by the South African régime. The euphoria aroused in certain circles by the recent developments in South Africa must in fact yield to pragmatism, a spirit of reality based on facts. It is our duty at this crucial juncture carefully to JB/12 A/44/PV.97 44-45 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing political and social developments in South Africa, specifically the progress made towards the elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a society of equality and justice. It mentions the release of Nelson Mandela and the legalization of the African National Congress, as well as the beginning of a dialogue between the South African authorities and the ANC. The text also warns against overestimating the significance of these developments and emphasizes the need for pragmatism and a focus on facts.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International relations