UNITED NATIONS. Oct 9: South Africa, an international pariah for 30 years because of apartheid, will be allowed to return to the world's trading community, reports AP.

The 184-nation General Assembly lifted nearly all of its anti-apartheid sanctions Friday, acknowledging South Africa's progress toward a multiracial democracy. An arms embargo remains in effect until a government elected with the participation of black voters take office.

Western nations and the Organization of African Unity already have lifted their sane Uons

The General Assembly also urged its member nations to start doing desperately needed business with South Africa Im mediately.

Transition to democracy has now been enshrined in the law of South Africa." said the reso lution passed Friday without a formal vote or speeches

A voluntary oil embargo is to be lifted as soon as a mulllra

clal governing council begins work The arms embargo will remain In effect until a new government Is formed after elections scheduled for April 27.

South Africa's ambassador. Vernon RW Steward, welcomed the move-saying the embargoes "have been a symbol for many years of a moral sanction against South Africa because of Its policies.'

"The fact that they are removed -has great impact throughout the world, as understanding that South Africa Is no longer any kind of pariah In the community of nations, but Is a full-scale member."

Apartheid cost South Africa Its membership In the General Assembly In 1974, and Its seat remained vacant Friday. The nation remains a UN member

The vote came less than a month after Nelson Mandela, leader of the African National Congress, urged the Interna tional community last month lo put aside Its most potent weapon against apartheid and invest In a new South Africa

From Brussels. Belgium, where he Is trying to drum up Investment, Mandela responded enthusiastically to the repeal.

That is what we asked for." he said. "We are happy Indeed that the world body is going to help and lift sanctions."

Voluntary sanctions were Imposed beginning in the 1960s to punish the white-minority South African government for its policies of racial discrimination. But they gained greater force in 1985 when the assembly gained worldwide compliance with Its stronger call for punishment.

Over the past few years, however, many nations have ended the restrictions on trade as South Africa pursues democratic reforms, since 1991. the General Assembly has called for resumption of academic, scientific. cultural and sporting links.

Sanctions have covered tra de finance, Investment, travel, transportation and other areas.