KYIV, 6 December 2013 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ranko Krivokapic issued the following statement today on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the citizens of South Africa. Nelson Mandela is one of history's greatest democratic icons. His legacy will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for generations of pro-democracy leaders, lawmakers, activists, and people around the world who strive for freedom and equality.

As someone who has witnessed the horrors unleashed by interethnic intolerance in the Balkans, I have long been inspired on a personal level by Nelson Mandela's quest for a more righteous world. Let us all – in the OSCE area and beyond – continue to emulate his courage and vision."