China mourns passing of Mandela - Xinhua

BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela and praised the former South African president as "an old friend of the Chinese people."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a written press release that Mandela made historical contributions to the establishment and development of China-South Africa relations.

"We express deep condolences over the passing of Mr. Mandela and convey sincere sympathy to the South African government and people and to Mr. Mandela's family," Hong said.

As a famous leader of the anti-apartheid movement, Mandela is revered as "founding father" in South Africa and an outstanding statesman in the world, winning worldwide respect and love, he said.

Nelson Mandela has died at age 95

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Former South African president Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95 Thursday, President Jacob Zuma announced in a televised speech to the nation.

"Our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding President of our democratic nation has departed," Zuma said. Full story

UN mourns passing of Nelson Mandela

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon Thursday mourned the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela and gave his "deepest condolence" to the family of Mandela and the people of South Africa and Africa as a whole.

"I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Nelson Mandela," Ban told reporters here. "Nelson Mandela was a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration."Full Story

S.African gov't announces state funeral for Mandela

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Thursday evening announced that a state funeral will be held for former president Nelson Mandela, who just died at the age of 95.

President Jacob Zuma said in a statement "Our beloved Mandela will be accorded a state funeral."Full Story

Obama says Mandela "achieves more than could be expected of any man"

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday mourned the death of Nelson Mandela, saying the former South African president has "achieved more than could be expected of any man."

In a televised speech at the White House, Obama hailed Mandela as a man who has made real his ideal of "a democratic and free society" in which all live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.Full Story