Mandela statue unveiled in London
Nelson Mandela expressed his gratitude for the statue
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Wednesday, 29, Aug 2007 12:01
Prime minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela as the South African statesman was honoured with a statue in London.
The 9ft bronze statue, which portrays an animated Mr Mandela gesturing, was unveiled by Mr Brown and London mayor Ken Livingstone in Parliament Square this morning.
Commentators say the scale of Mr Mandela's achievement in ending the Apartheid regime in South Africa is matched by the rarity with which such an honour is bestowed.
Today marks the end of a seven-year campaign to get the statue erected in central London, led by Lord Richard Attenborough and the widow of anti-Apartheid campaigner Donald Woods, Wendy.
Mr Brown described Mr Mandela as a "man whose belief in the future was so powerful that not even 27 years behind bars and barbed wire could destroy his dream".
"By fighting apartheid from his prison cell, millions today could be and are free," he said.
"From this day forward, this statue will stand here in sight of this ancient forum of democracy to commemorate and celebrate the greatest triumph in the greatest of causes."
As his wife Graca Michel looked on, Mr Mandela responded to the tributes by expressing his gratitude.
The 89-year-old said it was an "honour" to be attending the unveiling and said he wanted to "acknowledge my gratitude for all who have made this day today".
He added that he wanted the statue to draw continual attention to the "continuing struggle against injustice" in the world.
Lord Attenborough said: "How appropriate that the most revered statesman of our time, a man who refused to succumb to bitterness or seek revenge, who went on to lead his people to freedom, should stand for all time in Parliament Square."