Breaking News English

U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed Nelson Mandela [as / was] a personal inspiration while on a visit to South Africa. Mr Obama declined to visit Mr Mandela due [for / to] the former South African president's [poorly / poor] health. A White House [statement / stated] explained: "Out of deference to Nelson Mandela's peace and comfort and the family's [wishing / wishes] , the Obamas will not be [visited / visiting] the hospital." Obama made it clear to reporters on Air Force One that he had [no / not] intention of putting Mr Mandela's health [any / many] further at risk, saying: "I don't need a photo op….The last thing I want to do is to [be / do] in any way obtrusive at a time when the family is concerned [around / about] Nelson Mandela's condition."

President Obama called Mandela a "personal hero" and that Mandela's [sacrifices / sacrificial] to achieve equal rights helped [inspire / inspiration] his own political career. While [flying / flew] to South Africa, Obama told reporters: "The main message we'll [wanting / want] to deliver…is simply a profound [gratitude / greatness] for his leadership all these years, and that the thoughts and [praying / prayers] of the American people are with him and his family and his country." Obama [later / latter] told university students in Pretoria to learn lessons from Mandela's [strengthened / strength] while he was in prison for 27 years. He said: "Think about the hardships and the [struggles / stragglers] and being away from family and friends. There were dark moments that tested his faith in [human / humanity] , but he refused to give up."