May 9, 1996 — Sapa

BUTHELEZI DENIES HE'S UNWILLING TO MEET TRUTH COMMISSION

Inkatha Freedom Party leader and Home Affairs Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Thursday denied that he was unwilling or reluctant to meet Truth and Reconciliation Commission officials to discuss his party's participation in the commission.

In a statement from Ulundi Buthelezi said it had been suggested in the media that he was unwilling to meet with commission chairman Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his deputy Dr Alex Boraine.

Buthelezi said he had in fact written to Tutu stating his willingness to meet and had requested they suggest a date suitable to both parties.

A reply was apparently not forthcoming, Buthelezi said.

IFP secretary-general Dr Ziba Jiyane on Wednesday said the party had declined to participate in the commission but had submitted a memorandum detailing its version of the past, "to straighten the record of our history for generations to come".

The IFP claimed the commission was a "witch-hunt" against the African National Congress' opposition.

Jiyane said members of the IFP were free to appear as individuals before the commission.


© South African Press Association, 1996
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