The Security Council postponed action early Friday morning, following discussion on a draft resolution that would call for the immediate lifting of the state of emergency in the 36 districts in South Africa in which it had been imposed. Under the text the Council would also call for all political prisoners and detainees, first of all Nelson Mandela, to be set free immediately and unconditionally. The draft resolution (document S/17354), sponsored by Denmark and France, would also urge Member States to take several steps against South Africa, including the suspension of all new investment there.

Ambassador Birabhongse Kamemsri of Thailand, is seen here as he addressed the Security Council.