An End to Sanctions?

Congress had to override Ronald Reagan’s veto to impose economic sanctions on South Africa in 1986. George Bush was against them then, and would like to end them as soon as he can. The measures halted new U.S. investment in South Africa, cut air links between the two countries, and barred the import of South African products except for vital materials like gold, platinum and diamonds.

The Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 demands five actions from Pretoria before unfettered trade and investment can resume: legalizing all political parties, lifting the state of emergency, freeing political prisoners, eliminating apartheid laws and opening talks on a new government.

Bush signaled last week that Pretoria was getting close. “Dramatic progress has been made,” he said. “When the five conditions are met, we will lift the sanctions.” White House officials say four of the requirements have been fulfilled and the fifth — release of all political prisoners — is in sight.

South African President F.W. de Klerk claims he has freed more than 1,000 prisoners and only a few remain in jail because of a dispute over the exact definition of a “political” prisoner. The A.N.C. insists that hundreds are still behind bars. Officials in Washington said last week that the Administration will make its own decision on the question, but will probably withhold its announcement on lifting sanctions until after the A.N.C.’s national conference next week.