FRANCE: Former South African president Mr Nelson Mandela kept up his verbal onslaught against President George Bush yesterday and implied he would not meet the US President when he makes his first visit to Africa next month.
Mr Mandela condemned Mr Bush for launching the war against Iraq, saying he was wrong to bypass the United Nations and overthrow Iraq's President Saddam Hussein by force.
"Since the creation of the United Nations there has not been a World War since 1945. Therefore, for anybody, especially the leader of a superstate, to act outside the United Nations is something that must be condemned by everybody who wants peace," Mr Mandela told reporters after meeting French Foreign Minister Mr Dominique de Villepin.
Mr Mandela has repeatedly condemned Mr Bush over Iraq. In January, he said the President "cannot think properly" and in Ireland last week he said the United States and Bush were dangers to the world.
Mr Bush will tour Africa from July 8th to 12th, spending much of his time in South Africa. A courtesy call on Mr Mandela is an obligatory part of any visiting leader's schedule but there were signs yesterday Mr Bush would not meet the African statesman.
Asked if he would repeat his anti-Bush message in person, Mr Mandela replied: "You assume that he is going to meet me. I wouldn't make that assumption.