Mandela fought and united, says Letta

(ANSA) – Johannesburg, December 10 – Premier Enrico Letta on Tuesday described Nelson Mandela as a “a man who fought and united” and said the former South African president and anti-apartheid leader was a lesson to Europe.

The Italian premier is among over 90 international leaders, including United States President Barack Obama, taking part in a commemoration service for Mandela in Johannesburg, who died aged 95 last week. Letta added that Mandela’s philosophy was a lesson to Europe.

“Coming here you realise that either Europe unites or it doesn’t count for anything,” Letta said.

“That’s the impression that I send home to Europe from here. It’s an impression that we must reflect on”.