In progress at UNHQ

GA/SM/329

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT SHOCKED, SADDENED AT DEATH OF SWEDISH FOREIGN MINISTER

11/09/2003
Press Release
GA/SM/329


GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT SHOCKED, SADDENED

AT DEATH OF SWEDISH FOREIGN MINISTER


Following is a statement by the President of the fifty-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly, Jan Kavan (Czech Republic):


I am deeply shocked and saddened by the murder of Anna Lindh, Foreign Minister of Sweden.  Anna was a good friend and colleague with whom I had worked closely as Czech Foreign Minister and as President of the UN General Assembly.  I remember her as a warm and lovely human being, an excellent diplomat, a great European, a passionate social democrat and a wonderful woman with whom I shared a vision of a socially just and peaceful world based on solidarity and tolerance.  I am appalled by this senseless and brutal death and hope that the perpetrator will be speedily brought to justice.  My thoughts are with her family, friends and the people of Sweden who so much cherish their open society.


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For information media. Not an official record.