Citing international obligations, Mandela cancels appearance
Nelson Mandela has canceled his visit to the University scheduled for February 25, officials announced Thursday.The former South African president had been slated to deliver an address in Jadwin Gym and receive an honorary degree from the University recognizing his many contributions to humanity.Mandela was forced to call off his entire tour of the United States that included a visit to the University because of continuing international obligations, according to a statement from President Shapiro.Mandela will be traveling to the Middle East and west Africa during the time he was scheduled to visit Princeton, according to University spokesman Justin Harmon '78.African studies program director Jeffrey Herbst said Mandela holds a critical position as the official mediator for negotiations in Burundi, a nation in central Africa.