Mandela and De Klerk hold emergency talks on violence

Police opened fire on a protest against rent increases and apartheid local authorities, killing people during the fragile opening toward negotiations.

Their first formal talks committed both sides to address political prisoners, exiles and security laws obstructing negotiations.

The government ended emergency rule in most of South Africa, removing a major repressive obstacle while violence and restrictions persisted elsewhere.

The government agreed to address remaining obstacles to negotiation, while the ANC announced suspension of armed actions to advance a political settlement.

The state deployed troops southeast of Johannesburg as conflict between ANC and IFP supporters intensified during the uncertain transition.

The organizations cited forged pamphlets and other evidence suggesting elements of the security forces were aggravating township conflict.

The Special Committee against Apartheid expressed concern about killings, detentions and arrests during the opening political process.

ANC, UDF and COSATU representatives demanded government action as township killings threatened peaceful change.

Leaders met in Durban and issued a joint statement seeking ways to end violence in Natal and the Reef townships.

After a Mandela-De Klerk meeting, the government announced that about 20,000 exiles could come home, reversing a major consequence of repression.