Vance hopes for 'wisdom' in SA

Johannesburg (AFP) - The United Nations special envoy Cyrus Vance ended an 11-day fact-finding mission to South Africa yesterday, telling a news conference he welcomed the UN decision to send observers to monitor next week's general strike.

The African National Congress and its labour allies have called a two-day strike for Monday and Tuesday to press demands on ending violence, and to force the government to accept the ANC's formula for a constituent assembly to write the new constitution.

Mr Vance said: 'I'm glad that even as we leave, the United Nations will be able to assist . . . during the period of mass action. We leave with the hope that mutual respect and wisdom will prevail.'