Former South African president Nelson Mandela cancelled all engagements in Greece on Thursday because of a mild stomach ailment, the South African embassy in Athens said.
The 83-year-old elder statesman, who has in Greece since Tuesday, had been scheduled to meet Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and attend a luncheon given by the Onassis Foundation.
”He didn’t feel very well following a slight stomach indisposition but it’s really nothing serious,” Ambassador Jannie Mombarg said.
If he recovers, Mandela is scheduled on Friday to host a luncheon for Greek President Costis Stephanopolous.
He and his wife Graca were thereafter planning a private vacation in Greece, the envoy said.
On Wednesday Mandela attended a ceremony aimed at reviving the ancient Greek tradition of the Olympic Truce. During the original Olympic Games, hostilities between rival communities ceased temporarily.
Greece will host the 2004 Olympics. – Sapa