TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For President Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela is his hero. However, Obama said that he would not press for a meeting with Mandela, who is critically ill.
"We'll see what the situation is when we land. I do not need to take a picture with him," Obama said en route to the country, where he will spend the three days as part of a three-nation Africa trip.
"The last thing I want to do is to be in any way obtrusive at a time when the family is concerned about Nelson Mandela's condition."
Mandela, who turns 95 next month, was taken to hospital three weeks ago with a recurring lung disease. His condition is said to be critical, although South African President says there have been some signs of improvements in recent days.
"I think that the message we'll want to deliver is not directly to him but to his family, is simply profound gratitude for his leadership all these years," Mr. Obama said. He wanted to let Mandela's family know "that the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with him and his family and his country".
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