Secretary-General deeply saddened at passing of ronald reagan

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

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronald Reagan, the fortieth President of the United States of America.  He extends his sincere condolences to Mrs. Nancy Reagan, to the family of the former President, and to the Government and people of the United States.

President Reagan will be remembered for his leadership and resolve during a period of momentous change in world affairs, as well as for the warmth, grace and humour with which he conducted affairs of state.  The positive and optimistic attitude that he brought to ending long standing conflicts led to historic agreements on the reduction of nuclear arms as well as advances in peace processes in different parts of the world.

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