In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/8900

SECRETARY-GENERAL MOURNS DEATH OF EDWARD SAID

25/09/2003
Press Release
SG/SM/8900


SECRETARY-GENERAL MOURNS DEATH OF EDWARD SAID


The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:


The Secretary-General heard with great sadness of the death of Edward Said, the distinguished Palestinian-American writer and scholar who did so much to explain the Islamic world to the West, and vice versa.  While not sharing all of Professor Said’s opinions, the Secretary-General always enjoyed his company, savoured his wit, and admired the passion with which he pursued his vision of peace between Israelis and Palestinians.  Both the Middle East and the United States will be the poorer without his distinctive voice.


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For information media. Not an official record.