SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY SADDENED BY DEATH OF AUSTRIA’S PRESIDENT

Secretary-General deeply saddened by death of austria’s president

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

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the death of the President of Austria, Thomas Klestil.  An outstanding statesman and diplomat, who represented Austria at the United Nations from 1978 to 1982, Mr. Klestil was elected 10 years later to the highest office in his country.  He worked tirelessly to strengthen Austria’s relations with other European countries and the international community at large.  During his 12 years of dedicated service as President of his country, Mr. Klestil earned the respect of his people and of the many world leaders he met in Austria or abroad.  The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences to President Klestil’s family and to the Government and people of Austria.

* *** *