Irans Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri will travel to South Africa to attend memorial services for anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, Irans ambassador in South Africa confirmed to Nasim.Following reports by western media claiming Irans President Rouhani will take part in the funeral of Mandela and will have a sideline meeting with his american counterpart,an official in Irans Presidential Officein an interview with Nasimon Sunday scaled down the possibility of a direct meeting between Rouhani and Obama on the sidelines of Mandelas funeral, saying that Iranian President, Hassan Rouhanis participation in the funeral of Mandela is unlikely.
In a Friday message to South African President Jacob Zuma, Rouhani expressed deep sorrow over Mandelas demise, describing him as a unique and international figure.
Nelson Mandela had a firm belief in the freedom and equality of all humans, not only in his country South Africa, but across the world. He never faltered in this strongly held belief, said President Rouhani in his message.
On this rough and rugged road replete with hardships, Mandela magnificently bestowed meaning on the long path to freedom by suffering displacement, distance from home and family and long-term imprisonment, Rouhani added.
In a message on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also expressed his condolences to the South African government and nation over Mandelas passing away.
The Iranian minister described Mandela as a great leader in the fight against racial discrimination.
Zarif said Mandela was a lasting symbol of freedom-seeking and fight against apartheid.
By Nasim Online
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