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Botha Snubbed on Arrival in Paris

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Associated Press

South African President Pieter W. Botha arrived here today on a 48-hour private and controversial visit to inaugurate a memorial to South African war dead.

The visit has prompted protests in France and Africa, and Botha was met at Orly Airport by a protocol official.

French Premier Jacques Chirac had said he might meet with Botha, in order to reaffirm French opposition to apartheid, but decided against it.

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Only a local French official will accompany Botha on Tuesday to the inauguration of the war memorial to South African dead of two World Wars at Longueval, in northern France. South African troops fought for the Allies in both conflicts.

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