16. The United Nations was elated that Nelson Mandela had honoured it with his presence. 17. Mr. BLANC (France), President of the Security Council, observed that the occasion was deeply moving, bringing to a successful culmination the persistent efforts of the Council to secure Nelson Mandala's long-overdue release. In his person and in his fight for the principles of the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Nelson Mandela symbolized the moral force and legitimacy of the struggle of the South African people for the elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a society in which all South Africans would enjoy equal and full rights and participate freely in the determination of their destiny. 18. As early as 1963, the Security Council had_called on the South African Government to release all p0rsons imprisoned, interned or subjected to other restrictions for having opposed the policy of apartheid; in 1985 it had called upon South Africa to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. It was therefore a source of satisfaction to all members of the Council to welcome Nelson Mandela to the United Nations. I• • • A/AC.115/SR.641 English Page 5 (Mr. Blanc, France) 19. The Security Council had more than once affirmed that apartheid was a crime against the conscience and dignity of.mankind, that it was incompatible with human rights and that it was a serious threat to international peace and security. The Council had called upon the Government of South Africa to take immediate measures to eliminate apartheid as the prerequisite for the establishment of a non-racial, democratic society based on self-determination and the principles of majority rule through the full and free exercise of the right to vote by all the people in a united and unfragrnented South Africa. The members of the Council, encouraging the 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a speech or statement made by the President of the Security Council, discussing the significance of Nelson Mandela's presence at the United Nations. The text focuses on the moral and human rights aspects of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, highlighting the Security Council's efforts to secure Mandela's release and promote a non-racial, democratic society. The text does not mention economic, industrial, or environmental issues, but rather emphasizes the importance of human rights and dignity.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Culture