GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT EXTENDS CONDOLENCES AT DEATH OF CROATIA'S PRESIDENT FRANJO TUDJMAN

Press Release
GA/SM/141

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT EXTENDS CONDOLENCES AT DEATH OF CROATIA'S PRESIDENT FRANJO TUDJMAN

Following is the statement by the President of the General Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab (Namibia), issued on Saturday, 11 December, upon learning of the death of President Franjo Tudjman of Croatia:

It was with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing today of President Franjo Tudjman, of Croatia, beloved leader of the Croatian people. He was 77 and had been in failing health.

President Tudjman’s life indeed mirrored the history of modern-day Croatia: as anti-fascist partisan movement hero in Croatia during the Second World War; as the youngest general in the Yugoslav Army; as an academic and scholar of history; as a dissident and political prisoner; as founder, in 1989, of the Croatian Democratic Union and as a Member of Parliament; and as the first President of the independent Republic of Croatia, elected, in direct presidential elections, in 1992, and re- elected in 1997.

President Tudjman will be remembered as the father of his nation and as the architect of Croatian nationalism and independence. On behalf of the General Assembly, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of President Tudjman, and to the Government and the people of Croatia for the loss of their dear leader, who will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in perpetual peace.

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