SECRETARY-GENERAL ON SUDDEN PASSING OF FORMER REPUBLIC OF KOREA PRESIDENT

The following statement was issued Saturday, 23 May, by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn, while traveling to Sri Lanka, the news of the sudden passing away of Roh Moo-hyun, former President of the Republic of Korea.

I extend my sincerest condolences to Mrs. Roh and all of the former President's bereaved loved ones at this time of painful loss.  Let me also convey my deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Korea on the loss of their former Head of State.

I pay tribute to the late President Roh, who exerted tireless efforts to promote democracy, undertake various reform measures and pave the way for building an advanced society in Korea.  May he rest in peace.

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