Democratic organizations meet De Klerk about political violence

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 leaders met as attacks spread to Soweto after armed hostel residents assaulted train passengers, threatening the negotiation process.

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.

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.

Justice Minister Kobie Coetsee announced procedures, but the government and ANC disputed how many prisoners qualified.

ANC mobilizations in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein protested delays in freeing people jailed for resistance to apartheid.

The ANC president came home after leading the external mission through decades of banning, armed struggle and international mobilization.