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A. Actually, the attitude of the government took this form right back to the 1960s. I was visited by Mr. Jimmy Kruger, who was Minister of Justice, several times. I was visited by Mr. ((Louis)) Le Grange, who is now the Speaker of Parliament. Leading VIPs, both local and abroad, were allowed to visit me. The attitude of the government was contradictory. Despite the harsh treatment, they were prepared to have discussions with me. During the past three years, I started an initiative of talking to the government on the question of the release of prisoners and the question of a meeting between the A.N.C. and the government.
Q. You initiated political talks?
A. Yes.
Q. What makes you say that President De Klerk is a "man of integrity"?
A. From the two discussions that I have held ((with him)), this has been my distinct impression. There are many things that he said and did which convinced me that this is a man I could do business with.
Q. Do you have an understanding with De Klerk that the two of you must bring your people to reconciliation?
A. On the question of creating a climate conducive to negotiations, we see eye to eye.
Q. Are you optimistic that the issues of political prisoners and the ending of the state of emergency can be resolved fairly quickly?
A. I think so, personally. I don't think that ((De Klerk)) has any ground for resisting these two demands.
Q. The main pillars of apartheid still exist in your country. Why do you say that "freedom is on the horizon"?
A. Well, I have not really personally said that "freedom is on the horizon." What I have said is that I am confident that the State President is going to address the questions of the release of political prisoners and the lifting of the state of emergency in its totality. Once that happens, we would be able to sit down to discuss a new constitution.
Q. Is the A.N.C. going into negotiations in a weak position in comparison with the government?
A. No. We are in a powerful position, because the government now has accepted that there can be no peaceful settlement in this country without the involvement of the A.N.C. For them to change their policy on this question is a victory for the A.N.C.
Q. But the government still has the security apparatus.
A. They always have. But we have succeeded in getting them to acknowledge that we have a role to play.
Q. When should sanctions be lifted?
A. When a settlement is reached.
Q. Do you plan to accept the invitations to visit President Bush and Prime Minister Thatcher?
A. Oh, yes. Speaking for myself, I will accept the invitations. I have indicated to President Bush that I was honored by his invitation. But I will report to the A.N.C., and they will eventually decide whether I should accept the invitation.
Q. You have said the main issue in negotiations is reconciling black demands for one man, one vote with white fears of what that might mean for them. Is that possible?
A. There is sufficient goodwill to reconcile these two points. The A.N.C. is certainly ready to address the fears of whites.
Q. Would you compromise on one man, one vote?