Los Angeles Times (08.17.03) - Monday, August 18, 2003
Former South African President Nelson Mandela telephoned
President Bush on Saturday, taking a step toward improving
relations frayed by previous disagreements over the US-led
invasion of Iraq. Bush "welcomed a call" from Mandela while
vacationing at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, said White House
Press Secretary Scott McClellan. Their discussion focused in
part on the need to fight AIDS in Africa, said McClellan.
Mandela has praised Bush's commitment to funding AIDS research
and treatment and has urged Europe to follow Washington's
lead.