World mourns the loss of Kofi Annan

World
Europe

01:10

World leaders issued their condolences on Saturday after the death of former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan, who died in hospital in Bern, Switzerland, aged 80.

Current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep sadness at the news, describing his predecessor as "a guiding force for good."

"In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination."

"Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference after his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in Moscow, June 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

The UN high commissioner for human rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said he was grief-stricken.

"Kofi was humanity's best example, the epitome, of human decency and grace. In a world now filled with leaders who are anything but that, our loss, the world's loss becomes even more painful," he said. "He was a friend to thousands and a leader of millions."

Ghana

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo declared a week of mourning, saying the national flag will fly at half-mast at home and in the country's diplomatic missions around the world in honor of "one of our greatest compatriots."

"Consummate international diplomat and highly respected former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan was the first from sub-Saharan Africa to occupy this exalted position. He brought considerable renown to our country by this position and through his conduct and comportment in the global arena," the president said in a statement.

Ghanian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo address the media during a joint press conference the German Chancellor in the German Chancellery, in Berlin, Germany, on Feb. 28, 2018. /VCG Photo

"He was an ardent believer in the capacity of the Ghanaian to chart his or her own course onto the path of progress and prosperity."

Former Ghanaian President John Mahama said, "He lived and worked for global peace, security and sustainable development in very challenging times. A proud son of Ghana and Africa."

South Africa

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) said Annan was "an eminent and distinguished son of Africa."

"Annan was a great friend of the people of South Africa who played an immeasurable role in shaping the global agenda in favor of the people of the developing south," the ANC said in a statement.

"Amongst his many passions was silencing the guns on the African continent."

European leaders

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that Annan, as an old friend and inspiration for him, had devoted his life to making the world a more peaceful and united place.

EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica said, "He was such a great source of inspiration for all of us and will be greatly missed!"

Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "I sincerely admired his wisdom and courage, his ability to make informed decisions even in the most complex, critical situations. His memory will live forever in the hearts of Russians."

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at Schloss Meseberg palace, August 18, 2018. /VCG Photo

"A legendary UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winner. He always sought to put an end to armed conflict, to make fighting stop and negotiations begin. A peacekeeper of his stature will be sorely missed," Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said, "France pays tribute to him. We will never forget his calm and resolute approach to matters, nor the strength of his commitments."

A statement released by the office of Italian President Sergio Mattarella said that with Annan's demise, the international community lost a landmark figure, and the UN lost a former leader of peace, human rights and sustainable development.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted, "A great leader and reformer of the UN, he made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into."

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at the University of Edinburgh before signing the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal in Edinburgh, Scotland, August 7, 2018. /VCG Photo

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, "Annan... has left us but his legacy remains to keep working for peace, security and to strengthen the defense of human rights."

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said that with the passing of the former UN chief, the world has lost "a most staunch supporter of the rule-based international order."

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described Annan as "a true multilateralist."

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that Annan was a "strong supporter of dialogue and cooperation among nations, the dignity of the human being and the basic principles of the Charter of the United Nations."

NATO

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said he was saddened to hear the news.

"His warmth should never be mistaken for weakness. Annan showed that one can be a great humanitarian and a strong leader at the same time," Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter. "The UN and the world have lost one of their giants."

UAE

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said, "Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan departed this world after an impressive political career, a diplomat who distinguished himself with his performance in a demanding job under difficult circumstances."

India

Annan was a conscience keeper of international peace, said Indian Prime Minister Modi Narendra Modi.

"Kofi Annan's significant contribution to the MDGs (Millenium Development Goals) will always be remembered. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. May his soul rest in peace," Modi tweeted.

The Elders

The Elders organization, a group of statesmen co-founded by Annan which speaks out on global issues, hailed the former UN chief as "a voice of great authority and wisdom in public and private."

"The world has lost an inspiring figure – but one whose achievements will never be forgotten, and whose commitment to peace and justice will endure to inspire future generations," deputy chair Gro Harlem Brundtland said in a statement.

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(Source: Agencies)