Mandela set to snub Bush on Africa visit

NELSON MANDELA kept up his verbal onslaught against George W Bush yesterday and implied he would not meet the US president when he makes his first visit to Africa next month.

The former South African president condemned Bush for launching the war against Iraq, saying he was wrong to bypass the United Nations and overthrow Iraqi President Saddam Hussein by force.

"Since the creation of the UN 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," Mandela said after a meeting with French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin.

In January, he said Mr Bush "cannot think properly" and in Ireland last week he said the US and Bush were dangers to the world.

Bush is due to make a five-nation tour of Africa from July 8-12, spending much of his time in South Africa.

A courtesy call on Mandela is an obligatory part of any visiting leader's schedule but there were strong signs yesterday Bush would not meet him.

Asked if he would repeat his message in person, Mandela said: "You assume he is going to meet me. I wouldn't make that assumption."