1.   The leader of the main opposition Social Democrats, Rudolf Scharping, said he would not attend the ceremony, citing other engagements.

2.   The two prime ministers were scheduled to meet again in Durban, South Africa, earlier this month, but Sharif called off his trip citing domestic engagements.

3.   The two men briefed reporters after both Mandela and NP leader Frederik de Klerk left the meeting, citing other engagements.

4.   Woods, who became the first black golfer to win a major championship, turned down an invitation from Clinton to attend, citing prior engagements.