President Obama will travel to South Africa next week to attend services for Nelson Mandela, the White House said Friday.(Photo: Carolyn Kaster, AP)
"President Obama and the First Lady will go to South Africa next week to pay their respects to the memory of Nelson Mandela and to participate in memorial events," said White House spokesman Jay Carney.
He did not say whether Obama would attend a large memorial service on Dec. 10 or a private burial service on Dec. 15, or both.
"We'll have further updates on timing and logistics as they become available," Carney said.
At least two former presidents -- George W. Bush and Bill Clinton -- will also fly to South Africa next week for Mandela memorials.
George W. Bush's office confirmed that he will be flying to South Africa aboard Air Force One with Obama. Obama also invited Bush's father, former President George H.W. Bush, but the 89-year-old Bush will not be able to make such a long trip, his office said.
Clinton told CNN that he and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will also be traveling to South Africa.The other living ex-president -- Jimmy Carter -- may accompany Obama as well.
Details of the trip, including the dates, were still being worked out as of Friday night.
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