efforts in exerting pressure towards the release of Nelson Mandela, we express our conviction that further pressure needs to be exercised on the minority regime if the international community rea1l.y wants to see the end of the suffering of the black people. Apartheid should be dismantled in its entirety. It is the responsibility of the United Nations and other international and regional organieations and indeed all Governments to work towards the elimination of racism, which we believe, is not only a crime against the black people of South Africa but a crime against humanity. Although the world may be prepared to reduce some of its more destructive weapons and the international. community may rejoice at the improving relations between the greater Powers of the world, for many small but sovereign States, like the Maldives, there exists a serious predicament to which a long-term solution needs to be found: that of the protection and security of our States and the elimination of the risk to our sovereignty and independence. The growing danger of international mercenaries has increased the vulnerability of small States to external threats. The armed aggression against the Maldives in I.988 is just one example of the alarming proportions this international menace has now assumed. Some may regard the event as insignificant from a global perspective, but we cannot ignore the fact that these international soldiers of fortune have in recent years threatened the peace and stability of many States. The fact is that today international mercenaries are better organised, better financed and better equipped with sophisticated weapons. Unless immediate and firm action is taken against them, they will remain a significant danger to the world in general, Sma11 states are not in a position to sacrifice their hard-earned resources t0 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement or a communiqué, focusing on international relations, politics, and security concerns. It discusses the need for pressure on a minority regime to end apartheid, the threat of international mercenaries to small states, and the responsibility of the international community to eliminate racism and protect small states' sovereignty. The language is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the text is a official statement or a document from an international organization.

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