Mandela removed from U.S. terrorism list

WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- Officials say Nelson Mandela will be removed from U.S. terrorism watch lists under a new law waiving travel restrictions on the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The measure signed by President George Bush Tuesday authorizes the U.S. State Department to waive travel restrictions on Mandela and other members of the African National Congress who were listed for activities they carried out against South Africa's apartheid regime decades ago, said Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass.; Bob Corker, R-Tenn.; and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., in a news release.

The senators sponsored legislation to remove the former South African president and others ANC leaders from the lists.

"This law rectifies an appalling error in our nation's relationship with South Africa," Kerry said. "Nelson Mandela stands as one of the world's strongest voices against brutal oppression and tyranny. It's high time we honored his message of human dignity and valor by removing unjustified travel restrictions placed on him and other members of the ANC."

The Senate bill corrects a law preventing people with ties to terrorist groups from receiving U.S. visas, State Department spokesman Tom Casey said.

"(We're) pleased that we could make this correction," he said.