Mandela Slams Bush Over Iraq Invasion

Addressing media in Johannesburg after meeting French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin, Mandela said there had not been any world wars since the establishment of UN because the body promoted peace throughout the world.

He said he was happy with French President Jacques Chirac's attitude towards the Iraqi war.

"Chirac took the correct attitude not to support the war. He is in favour of peace."

When asked whether he would tell US President George W Bush about his stand on the Iraqi war when the American leader visited South Africa next month, Mandela replied: "Do not assume that he will meet with me - I know he is coming to see President Thabo Mbeki, but I am not sure if he wants to see me".

"I have said what I wanted to say about the war and I will not repeat myself," Mandela said.

French support Nepad

De Villepin said he was pleased to have met Mandela: "We admire what Mandela has done for his country and the world."

He said the two discussed the economic and conflict problems in Africa. France supported the mediation efforts by South Africa to bring peace on the continent.

"We support (the) New Partnership for Africa's Development and any projects that will help to revive the continent's economy.

"We are ready to work with Africa on any projects," he said.

Nelson Mandela also urged the world on Wednesday not to listen to the United States when making decisions on the Iraq question, but rather follow the lead of the United Nations.

"What I'm condemning is that two countries should go out of the United Nations and have their own separate programme, which actually undermines the UN," Mandela said of the US and its closest ally Britain.

"(UN weapons inspection chief) Hans Blix and (head of the UN's nuclear watchdog) Mohammed el-Baradei are men of integrity, and we want them to be respected. We are going to listen to them alone. We are not going to listen to the United States of America," he told reporters.

Mandela has repeatedly lashed out at the US and Britain, accusing them of belligerence and a desire to get their hands on Iraq's oil.

The US has amassed troops in the Gulf region ahead an expected strike on Iraq, which has been accused of hiding weapons of mass destruction.



http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Iraq/0,,2-10-1460_1316529,00.html

(c) 2003 South African Press Association.