World Mourns Death Of Former UN Chief, Nobel Prize Laureate Kofi Annan

World leaders, as well a number of prominent politicians and international organizations, all expressed heartfelt condolences over passing of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Saturday.

Karachi (UrduPoint News - 19th August, 2018) World leaders, as well a number of prominent politicians and international organizations, all expressed heartfelt condolences over passing of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Saturday.

The ex-UN chief passed away earlier in the day in Switzerland at the age of 80 in his family circle after a short illness.

Annan was born in 1938 in Ghana, then-UK colony of Gold Coast. He served as the head of the United Nations in 1997-2006, winning the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. In 2007, he founded the Kofi Annan Foundation, a non-profit focused on support for democracy, fighting hunger and drug trafficking.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has honored the late diplomat's achievements and personal qualities, calling Annan his mentor.

"Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good. It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing. 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," Guterres said, as quoted in a statement of the UN Office at Geneva.

French President Emmanuel Macron has also commemorated the former UN chief.

"Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary general and Nobel Peace prize, passed away last night. France pays tribute to the great man he was. We will never forget his calm and strong-willed look, nor the passion he gave for his fights," Macron wrote on Twitter.

EU foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini and President of European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker both expressed condolences over the death of Ghanaian diplomat.

"Today we all mourn the loss of one of the greatest men of our times: with the passing of Kofi Annan, Ghana, Africa and the entire world lost a true humanitarian who dedicated his life to defending peace and human rights � On behalf of the European Union, I convey my most sincere condolences to his family, the Government of Ghana, the United Nations and The Elders group," Mogherini said a statement of the European External Action Service.

German leader Angela Merkel joined commemoration of Annan and said that her conversations and meetings with him has become her "precious memories."

"I am deeply saddened by the news of Kofi Annans passing, He was an outstanding statesman in the service of the international community," Merkel said a statement.

Other European leaders such as UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, as well as the leadership of Greece, Romania and Switzerland, among others, have expressed condolences over the death of the former UN chief.

RUSSIA EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES OVER ANNANS PASSING

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram to Guterres, expressing heartfelt condolences over the passing of Annan and honored the latters contribution to the implementation of UN tasks.

"Many years of life of this remarkable man and great politician have been devoted to the service of the United Nations. Having led the United Nations in a difficult period, he did a great deal to implement the goals and objectives of the organization, to strengthen its central role in global affairs. His personal contribution was especially significant in building up the UN peacekeeping capacity, as well as in resolving a number of regional conflicts," the Kremlins press service said in a statement attributed to Putin.

The Russian leader went on to note that Annans contribution to the global affairs was appreciated by the international community as evidenced by UN chief receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

"I was fortunate enough to meet Kofi Annan in person. I sincerely admired his wisdom and courage, ability to make informed decisions even in the most difficult and critical situations, his memory will remain forever in the hearts of Russians," Putin underlined.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov offered their condolences as well.

GHANA TO FLY FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF TO HONOR LATE DIPLOMAT

Ghanas President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has ordered to fly flags at half-staff for one week starting from Monday on the territory of the country and at all Ghanaian diplomatic missions in honor of Annan.

"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. 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. Undoubtedly, he excelled in the various undertakings of his life, leaving in his trail most pleasant memories. His was a life well-lived," the president said in a statement.

The Ghanian leader and First Lady Rebecca extended condolences to late diplomats family after speaking to Annans widow Nane, according to the statement.