May 1, 2008 5:43 am US/Central
Report: U.S. Has Mandela On Terror Watch List
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The United States has Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela flagged on a terrorist watch list, according to a published report.
USA Today reported that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called the situation "embarrassing."
Because he is on the list, Mandela needs special permission to visit the U.S.
Mandela is on the list because the former South African leader is a member of the African National Congress. The anti-Apartheid ANC was previously banned in South Africa. During the Apartheid era, South Africa's ruling white minority designated the group a terrorist organization. The U.S., along with several other nations, followed South Africa's lead.
USA Today reported that Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., is backing a bill that would remove current and former ANC members from the terror watch lists.
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