Mandela says P W Botha helped end apartheid

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 1 (Reuters) Nelson Mandela paid tribute to former South African President P W Botha, the defiant face of apartheid who died yesterday and is remembered for doggedly refusing to release Mandela from prison for battling white rule.

''While to many Mr Botha will remain a symbol of apartheid, we also remember him for the steps he took to pave the way towards the eventual peacefully negotiated settlement in our country,'' Mandela said in a statement today.

REUTERS MS DS1405