Obama to travel to South Africa next week to pay respects to Nelson Mandela | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Obama to travel to South Africa next week to pay respects to Nelson Mandela

A painting of former South African President, Nelson Mandela, left, is displayed alongside a painting of U.S. President Barack Obama, on a street in Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Mandela passed away Thursday night after a long illness. He was 95. As word of Mandela's death spread, current and former presidents, athletes and entertainers, and people around the world spoke about the life and legacy of the former South African leader. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

WASHINGTON - The White House says President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will travel to South Africa next week to pay respects to Nelson Mandela.

White House press secretary Jay Carney says the Obamas will participate in memorial events, but didn't say specifically what day they planned to be in South Africa. The South African government announced that Mandela would be honoured with a state burial on Dec. 15.

Mandela has been an anti-apartheid icon and his nation's first black president. He died Thursday at age 95. In remarks following Mandela's death, Obama counted himself as one of the countless millions who have been inspired by the South African leader.

News from © The Associated Press, 2013
The Associated Press

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