Washington: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined the world community in greeting the South African leader, Nelson Mandela, on his 92nd birthday.
"I am honoured and humbled to call president Mandela my friend. Like millions of his admirers around the world, I am deeply moved by his generosity of spirit and unfailing courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles," Hillary said in a birthday message.
"After 26 years locked in an apartheid prison, he emerged to lead South Africa`s transition from the division of apartheid to an integrated, multi-racial democracy.”
“He embraced his jailers without bitterness or hatred and provided an example to his own people and people everywhere," she said.
Last year, she said the US joined 192 other UN member states in supporting the creation of Nelson Mandela International Day.
"Its first observance on July 18 this year honours President Mandela`s extraordinary contributions and lifelong commitment to justice and human dignity," she said.
Observing that Nelson Mandela was a hero to people of all backgrounds and experience who strive for freedom and progress, she said: "His story is filled with an amazing strength and integrity of spirit."
There is no one more deserving of this unprecedented international recognition, Hillary said.
In an interview to the South African Broadcasting Corporation, early this week, US President Barack Obama had said Mandela was a role model of leadership for entire world.
"He continues to be a model of leadership not just for South Africa, but for the world. So we celebrate him here in the US, as you do in South Africa. We wish him all the best," Obama said.
"We are constantly reminded that his legacy of seeing every person as important, and not making distinctions based on race or class but the degree to which they are people of character -- that`s a good guidepost for how all of us should operate as leaders," he said.
Mandela would turn 92 on Sunday.
Obama, who spoke to him recently after the tragic death of his granddaughter said, Mandela sounded as clear and charming as he always has been.
"Nelson Mandela set us on a path in understanding the standards of leadership that are needed, and I think those standards can be met. You`re seeing countries around the continent who are starting to meet those high standards that are so necessary to ultimately help the people," Obama said.
PTI
