Ban calls on world leaders to emulate Mandela�s example to bring peace in 2014

With 2013 marked by a deterioration �beyond all imagination� in the Syrian conflict and the �imminent danger of mass atrocities� looming in the Central African Republic (CAR), Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on world leaders to follow the example of the late South African President Nelson Mandela in making 2014 the year of protecting people. �I can think of nothing I would rather see in 2014 than for world leaders to emulate his example in upholding their moral and political responsibilities,� Mr. Ban said in his end-of-year news conference at United Nations Headquarters in New York, noting that 2013 will be remembered as the year in which the world bid a sad but celebratory farewell to the man who became South Africa�s first post-apartheid and democratically elected president with a message of reconciliation for all.