Desmond Tutu to miss burial of long-time friend Nelson Mandela

Retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu waits to speak during the memorial service for former South African president Nelson Mandela at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday. (AP Photo)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: Preparations for Nelson Mandela's funeral have been marred by a public spat between the South African government and retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the most prominent survivors in the long anti-apartheid struggle.

Tutu, a Nobel laureate who has strongly criticized the current government, said in a statement Saturday that he will not be attending Mandela's funeral, even though he wishes to pay respects to his long-time friend.