SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF TURKMENISTAN’S PRESIDENT

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

The Secretary-General has learned of the sudden death of Turkmen President Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov.  President Niyazov made important contributions to United Nations peace processes in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the family of the late President and the people of Turkmenistan.

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For information media • not an official record