SECRETARY-GENERAL'S TRIBUTE TO LATE KING HASSAN II OF MOROCCO

Press Release
SG/SM/7080
GA/9580

SECRETARY-GENERAL'S TRIBUTE TO LATE KING HASSAN II OF MOROCCO

Assembly Address Speaks of 'Refined Politician, Remarkable Diplomat' Who Showed World 'Wisdom, Tolerance and Moderation of

Islam'

It is entirely fitting that you should interrupt your proceedings as a mark of respect for the memory of the late King Hassan. I am deeply honoured to share with you this moment of sadness, and of gratitude, for the life of a great man -- as I was honoured to attend His Majesty's funeral in Rabat three days ago. King Hassan's devotion to peace, both within his country and in the wider region, was known all over the world.

In an age of bitter conflict between Arabs and Jews, this was one Arab ruler who never lost the esteem of his Jewish subjects, and who was always at the forefront of efforts to forge a new relationship with Israel based on peace, dialogue and mutual respect.

In an age when many people wrongly identified Muslims with anger and violence, he showed the world the true face of Islam -- a face of wisdom, tolerance and moderation.

He was a wise man, a refined politician, and a remarkable diplomat. I am proud to remember him as a personal friend, and I shall miss him very much. He died at a moment of hopeful change in the region. I regret, especially, that he has not lived to see a peaceful resolution of the issue of Western Sahara, on which he and I worked closely together. But I have every hope that we shall be able to complete that work with his successor, King Mohammed VI -- to whom, Mr. President, I am sure we all send our most sincere condolences, as well as our heartfelt good wishes for a long and successful reign.

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