Addressing the country's parliament today, the President proclaimed partnership, repeated his trade-not-aid mantra, and dished out the plaudits to President Nelson Mandela and his anointed heir, Thabo Mbeki. Nothwithstanding the bonhomie, there may also be some tough talking between the President and his hosts. Mbeki has publicly criticized Clinton over trade issues, while South Africas relationships with Washingtons rogues gallery -- Cuba, Libya, Iran and others -- creates periodic spats between the two governments. But none of this will subvert the relationship between the U.S. and the nation with Africas strongest economy.
And what of the apologies that have become the hallmark of the trip? Asked before Clintons speech about any further anticipated areas of presidential remorse, Mike McCurry replied Well, we havent gotten around to apartheid yet.