President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will travel to South Africa next week to attend memorial services for former South African President Nelson Mandela, who died Thursday at the age of 95.
White House press secretary Jay Carney did not announce any further details beyond saying Mr. Obama and his wife will make the trip in order to “pay their respects” and to “participate in memorial events.”
The official memorial service for Mr. Mandela will be held Dec. 10, and his official state funeral and burial will take place Dec. 15.
Mr. Carney also didn’t say whether other American dignitaries, such as former presidents Bill Clinton or George H.W. Bush, will accompany Mr. Obama to South Africa.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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