text: democratic State and the entire African continent was watching it to see what it would do. The impact of Nelson Mandala's international tout attested to his own significant role, and to the place that a free South Africa would occupy in the world community. There was no doubt that a strong SoUth African economy would be crucial to the future of all sub-Saharan countries. More importantly, a free South Africa would become a genuine model of statehood on the African continent. 34. Mr. AHMED (Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the Group of Asian States, hailed Nelson Mari.dela as a guardian of human dignity and an unrivalled champion of self-determination. His presence at the United Nations rekindled hope for the future of mankind. At the same time, it served as a reminder of the many difficult challenges which still lay ahead, in Africa and elsewhere in the world. In February 1990, the peoples of Asia, the world's most populous continent, had joined in the celebration of Nelson Mandala's release from prison. His long detention, far from breaking his indomitable spirit, had strengthened his resolve. His release had coincided with an upsurge in democracy and self-determination all over the globe. 35. The release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners, the lifting of the ban on political organizations and the partial lifting of the state of emergency in South Africa, were conduciVe to.negotiations on the nation's political future. However, apartheid persisted in South Africa: indeed, Nelson Mandela himself had pointed out that when he was imprisoned in the 1960s, he was not eligible to vote and, on his release 27 years later, he still had no vote. I• • • A/AC.115/SR.641 English Page 8 (Mr. Ahmed. Pakistan) 36. Nelson Mandela brought a message to the United Nations that the world-wide 
analysis: The text primarily discusses the international implications and significance of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, his role as a symbol of human dignity and self-determination, and the future of South Africa and the African continent. The focus is on the political and social aspects, rather than economic or environmental issues.