now to envisage that prisoners will be released and those in exile will be able to return to the country of their birth. Secondly, the ANC announced that it was suspending all armed action: "in the interest of moving as speedily as possible towards a negotiated, peaceful, political settlement, and in the context of the agreements reached." We take note also of the South African Government's decision to consider lifting the state of emergency in Natal as soon as possible and to repeal certain provisions of the Internal Security Act. We emphasize the urgency of lifting the state of emergency, which is now in effect in certain parts of the Transvaal province. Furthermore, we of the Special Committee remain convinced that the JSM/fc A/44/PV.97 22 (Mr. Gambari. Chairman. Special Committee against Apartheid) repeal of repressive legislation will be a serious step towards allowing free political activity. In this context, we agree with the conclusions set forth in the report of the Monitoring Group of the Ad Hoc Committee on Southern Africa of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The report concluded that all the fundamental pillars of apartheid and their repressive and destructive consequences remain intact. It concluded that nothing short of the fulfilment of all the conditions which are essential to the creation of the necessary climate for negotiation should be deemed sufficient in terms of the demands set out in the Declaration. I should now like to turn my attention to the Programme of Action of the Declaration. While consensus has been generally maintained with few exceptions, there is a worrisome trend towards easing pressure on the South African Government. I view that trend not only as a dangerous mistake but also as a premature reaction to the current process in South Africa. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement from a United Nations Special Committee discussing the progress of negotiations between the South African Government and the African National Congress (ANC) to end apartheid. The focus is on the political situation in South Africa, with specific references to the release of prisoners, return of exiles, suspension of armed action, and the repeal of repressive legislation. The tone is critical, emphasizing the need for the South African Government to take concrete steps towards creating a climate conducive to negotiations.

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