Papua New Guineawill be represented by its High Commissioner tothe United Kingdom of Great Beitain, Winnie Kiap, atthe funeral service ofthe first democratically elected president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill madethe announcement today.
Mandela'’s state funeral will be held on December 15, and is said to bethe biggestthe world has ever seen. Reports reveal so far 59 foreign heads of state have confirmed to ether attendthe memorial ceremony orthe state funeral of Nelson Mandela in South Africa inthe coming week on December 15. Ten days of mourning have already been declared followingthe death ofthe 95-year-old on December 5.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, said Ms Kiap who is currently based in London will travel to South Africa for Mandela’s funeral service.
Mr. O’Neill saidthe Government and people of Papua New Guineamourn his passing, but will always admire his lLeadersip, his courage under enormous pressure andthe wonderful inspiration he has provided for so many, for so long. He said late Mandela will be remembered for his passion for freedom and for forgivingthe Apatheid Government for the harsh treatments he received. He has left a legacy behind for all to follow and will be remembered by many generations.
Chairman forWorld Bank Group andtheInternational Monetary Fund board of governors, Don Polye, joined ther world lLeadersto express his deep sadness atthe passing away of South Africa’s former presidentoNelson Mandela.
Mr Polye’said Mandela was an inspiration to many and was a man of many achievements. He said Mandela was a brilliant torch beatrer of Godly values that need not to be allowed to erode; he possessedthe rare values of forgiveness, peace and reconciliation that many lLeadersfail to achieve. He emphasised that ifthe world could “emulate late Mandela’s example of peace and lover; respect and prosperity, we as a global village could radiate likethe sun with joy and happiness”. He sympathized withthe family andthe people of South Africa of his death and said thatPNG could learn from many of his legacies.
