Obama calls Zuma to sympathise with SA

President Barack Obama speaks about the death of Nelson Mandela. Picture: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

President Barack Obama speaks about the death of Nelson Mandela. Picture: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Published Dec 6, 2013

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Washington – US President Barack Obama telephoned his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma to express his condolences on the death of Nelson Mandela, the White House said.

“The strong and historic partnership between the United States and South Africa will continue to draw strength from Mandela's legacy as we work together to promote equality, reconciliation and human dignity, and to build a more just and prosperous world,” the statement quoted Obama as saying.

Earlier, Obama hailed Mandela as a leader who left his country with a legacy of freedom and peace.

“He achieved more than could be expected of any man,” Obama said at the White House shortly after the announcement of Mandela's death.

Obama is expected to attend Mandela's funeral. The U.S. president travelled to Johannesburg earlier this year but did not visit the ailing leader, who was in the hospital at the time.

Sapa-dpa/Reuters

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