SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW OVER DEATH OF FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS MITTERRAND

Press Release
SG/SM/5862

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW OVER DEATH OF FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS MITTERRAND

Following is the text of a statement made yesterday by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on the occasion of the death of the former President of France:

The Secretary-General has learned with deep sorrow and profound regret of the death this morning of Francois Mitterrand, the former President of France.

During the 14 years of his presidency, Francois Mitterrand worked tirelessly for the improvement of humanity. His continuing international action, inspired by a humanistic and global view, made him an ardent defender of the cause of the United Nations. He firmly committed his country to the protection of human rights, support for the rule of law and humanitarian operations in favour of suffering and vulnerable populations.

At this painful moment, the Secretary-General offers his sincere condolences to Mrs. Danielle Mitterrand, to the French people, as well as to the President of France, Jacques Chirac.

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