SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY OF KING HUSSEIN AND TO PEOPLE OF JORDAN
Press Release
SG/SM/6888
SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY OF KING HUSSEIN AND TO PEOPLE OF JORDAN
19990208 Kofi Annan Says King Hussein Was One Of United Nations Most Valuable Partners for PeaceFollowing is a statement by the Secretary-General on the occasion of the death of King Hussein of Jordan, on Sunday, 7 February:
It was with a deep and personal sense of grief that I learned today of the death of His Majesty King Hussein Ibn Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family and to the people of Jordan.
Today, the world mourns the passing of a King whose true majesty found expression in a lifelong struggle to bring peace to the ordinary men and women of the Middle East. I recall fondly our meeting in March 1997 in New York. He was typically warm and wise, yet anguished about the persistence of conflict and suffering, in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Overcoming his own pain at Wye Plantation last October, he showed again the courage that is an essential ingredient in any peace process. His death challenges us to finish the job. I will always remember his many contributions, for King Hussein was one of the United Nations most valuable partners for peace.
At this difficult time, His Majesty King Abdullah deserves the support of the entire international community as he continues the crucial work towards peace and prosperity pursued so energetically and tirelessly by his father. I pledge to him my full support.
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