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Good evening. A speech that will doubtless stand in history as a watershed in the development
of South African politics was delivered today by the State President, Mr. F. W. de Klerk,
at the opening of this year's parliamentary session. The speech has been welcomed worldwide
and, with the exception of right-wing political groups, nationwide. President de Klerk's announcements
included: the lifting of the ban on the ANC, the PAC and the SACP; allowing the return
of exiles; the release of all prisoners in custody due to their membership of restricted
organizations; the removal of the restrictions on 33 domestic organizations, from COSATU
to the White Liberation Movement; the almost complete abolition of the State of Emergency,
including the restrictions on the media; the removal of the restrictions on 374 people;
and the assurance that Mr. Nelson Mandela will be released as soon as possible.